President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Senators and members-elect of the House of Representatives on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that President Tinubu urged the lawmakers to choose capable leaders from among themselves during the meeting.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the lawmakers-elect revealed that President Tinubu had invited them to prioritise the unity of the country.
They clarified that Tinubu did not express support for any specific candidate or ask any lawmaker to step down for another, contrary to some reports.
The meeting took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja and included elected members from all political parties in the National Assembly. The lawmakers-elect emphasised that this gathering was in response to misleading reports in certain media outlets.
These reports falsely claimed that President Tinubu had made a strong appeal the previous night to APC Senators-elect and Members-elect, urging them to abide by the zoning arrangement announced by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) when electing presiding officers for the Senate and House of Representatives.
Adamu Ranga, the representative for Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, stated that President Tinubu did not endorse any specific candidates for Senate or House leadership but called for unity among the lawmakers.
Ranga explained, “The lawmakers were told to work together to choose good leaders in the 10th National Assembly. Mr. President addressed the general assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives, to ensure the formation of a strong government. Furthermore, he emphasised his open-door policy, allowing anyone to meet him without hindrance, and granting the privilege to discuss any matter.”
Prof Paul Nnamchi, the member-elect for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, also confirmed that Tinubu appealed to the lawmakers to prioritise the national interest over party politics. Nnamchi stated, “He appealed to us to forget about party politics and focus on the national interest. That was the main thrust of his speech. He did not mention any specific names for voting. Perhaps he made an appeal, but I did not hear anyone’s name mentioned.”
