Coalition of Media and Civil Society Organizations, the assemblage of various civil society organisations has drummed support for the re-election of some members of National Assembly in 2023 for what it called outstanding performance.
According to the group, this has become important to avoid what it called legislative brain drain, noting that the institution of the legislature is critical to make democracy thrive, urging the political parties of the identified lawmakers to offer them right of first refusal.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Alex Enemanna noted that the decision to call for support for the lawmakers follows the report of its special legislative review committee on the lawmakers.
He said, “Needless to over-emphasize that the legislative arm of government is the heartbeat and the beacon of every democratic institution. It is the building block upon which the very framework of democracy stands.
“Apart from oversight role it plays over the Executive and Judicial arms, it is responsible for initiating and enacting laws and policies upon which the people are governed and the Executive derives its powers.”
He added, “This appraisal cuts across the political divides, ranking and non-ranking members and of course both chambers of the National Assembly.
“In no particular order, the Board of Trustees of the coalition, the management and its partners wish to applaud the loyalty and faithfulness to the Nigerian masses of:
“Sen. Ali Ndume — Borno South
Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu — Abia North
Sen. Smart Adeyemi — Kogi West
Sen. James Manager — Delta South
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe — Abia South
Senator Abiodun Olujimi- Ekiti South
Senator Sani Mohammed Musa — Niger East
Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola — Lagos West
Hon. Ndudi Elumelu — Aniocha North & South/ Oshimili North & South Delta
Rt. Hon. Idris Wase — Wase Federal Constituency Plateau
Hon. Muktar Betara — Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Shani Federal Constituency Borno
Hon Ado Doguwa- Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency
Hon Nkiru Onyejeocha- Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency
Hon. Sergius Ogun- Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency.
“From their apolitical dispositions on issues of national importance to their pro-masses stands in their legislative agenda, to their legislative ingenuity and deep experience demonstrated so far, to their demonstration of spirit of nationalism, robust contribution on insecurity, prevalent national economic challenges and non tribalistic posture and presentation, we make bold to say these lawmakers stand out in their service not only to their immediate constituents but Nigerians at large. These individuals have proven to be indispensable national assets that must be retained to sustain the bridge, wall and shield the legislature represent in any democracy.
“We have seen visible moves to ensure a greater bargain for the people which they spearheaded and still spearheading through very impactful Bills. From the Bill seeking to reduce house rent system from yearly to monthly payment in Abuja, sponsored by Sen. Smart Adeyemi to the Bill seeking to enhance the nation’s revenue generation system through establishment of National Tax Crimes Commission, NTCC sponsored by Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and virile opposition witnessed in both chambers of the National Assembly as well as their constituency projects which have increased the living standard of the Nigerian people, we mince no words to say these are the calibre of representatives Nigerians crave for. This is however not to take for granted the laudable contributions of other lawmakers in the discharge of their constitutional functions to the Nigerian people.
“In the light of their outstanding performances, we shall after this press conference write to leadership of their various political parties at the ward, local government, state and national levels to accord these legislators the right of first refusal in the build up to the 2023 general elections. This is to ensure that we have our very bests and unbiased minds at our legislative Houses which is pivotal to a thriving democratic norm.
“It is on this note, ladies and gentlemen that we urge their constituents to accord them the needed backing and support to ensure their return to the National Assembly in 2023 for a continuous fruitful national service.”
