•Work for Nigeria’s good, Lawan urges politicians
• Factional Speaker demands cancellation of Plateau congresses
Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has demanded the immediate resignation of the Governor Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) if it cannot conduct the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He argued that it has “become obvious that the Buni-led CECPC has made up its mind to be disrespectful to the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari, in conjunction with the Governor Atiku Bagudu-led PGF, to hold the APC national convention next month.”
The PGF boss’ position is coming against the backdrop of assurances by the CECPC that it would hold the convention after consulting widely with stakeholders nationwide.
Lukman contended that the “CECPC’s latest position is tantamount to a slap on the face of Nigerians and an insult on party members.”
This comes as Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, urged politicians to make attempt at building consensus among themselves to be selfless and work in the interest of the country.
He made the appeal at a reception organised in his honour by Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, and his wife to mark his 63rd birthday in Abuja.
Lawan said the kind of consensus he envisages should centre around fundamental issues about the country religiously addressed irrespective of political affinities.
According to him, most successful nations have largely achieved this kind of consensus, pointing out that once voted into office, there should be limits to what politicians could capitalise on for political gains.
He said the Senate, under his watch, has been able to achieve its set targets simply because of its consensus to work for the country.
“We believe this country can only be better if politicians decide to do the right things,” Lawan submitted.
Drawing comparison with previous assemblies, the Yobe lawmaker noted that the ninth legislature was able to break many jinxes because of its consensus to work in harmony with the executive arms of government and avoid unnecessary bickering that could leave ordinary Nigerian citizens at the receiving end of bad leadership.
Lawan added that those, who have been around long enough, can tell the difference in the stability the Ninth Assembly, “is able to bring to the economy, as well as the body polity.
Earlier, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who delivered a goodwill message, appreciated the cordial relationship between the legislature and executive arms of government.
BESIDES, the factional Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, Abok Nuhu Ayuba, has called for the cancellation of the party’s congresses held in the state.
In a petition to the CECPC, he alleged that Governor Simon Lalong sidelined his colleagues and critical stakeholders in the process leading to the election of executives for ward, local government and the state branches.
