The North Central Democratic Coalition has urged the All Progressives Congress, APC, to ensure inclusiveness in the country’s governance structure and zone the position of Speaker, House of Representatives, to the North Central geo-political zone.
The coalition of pro-democracy groups insists not acting on its demands will imply that the region has been left out of the scheme of things since the Vice President is already from the North East and the North West is in strong contention for a Senate leadership position.
The group alleged that previous administrations had neglected the North Central region, a situation it claims does not sit well with democracy.
Making the demands during a rally at the APC headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Ben Amodu, Chancellor of the coalition, said, ”The current arrangement does not include the North Central region, with the president from the North West, the Senate President from the North East, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from the North East.”
Amodu said although the North Central region was left home and dry, its loyalty to the party was manifest during the general elections, hence its appeal to the National Working Committee of the APC to ensure the zoning of the Speakership of the 10th Assembly to the North Central.
”We believe such a move will entrench the principle of inclusiveness necessary for the growth and development of the APC and the democratic journey in Nigeria, which is essential in our quest for sustainable growth and development.
”The North Central region has been noted for loyalty during and after elections. If so, why have previous administrations neglected the region regarding political patronage? This aberration must be addressed in good time in the spirit of fairness.
”As a group, we have extensively analyzed the list of aspirants for the position of speaker of the House of Representatives. Interestingly, the North Central parades credible and competent lawmakers that would do well as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
”It is easily noticeable that from previous experiences, the loyalty of the North Central cannot be questioned. This much had been exhibited in different forums and circumstances that were indeed beneficial to the APC and its programs and policies.
”The North Central Democratic Coalition urges the National Working Committee of the APC to do the needful by ensuring that the position of speaker of the House of Representatives is zoned to the North Central. This is necessary to put issues in proper perspective and reward a region loyal and committed to the party over the years,” he said
