TheCable

The Generation Next Collective (GNC), a coalition of youth and women groups, says the ninth national assembly under Ahmad Lawan, former president of the senate, suffered reputational “bruises”.  

In a statement on Sunday, Ruth Edehemon and Rufai Abdullahi, GNC’s co-conveners, said having a legislative arm of government that is not independent would be a liability to the country.

They said the immediate-past national assembly appeared to be a “rubber stamp”.

“The institution of the legislature in Nigeria has suffered bruises of negative public perception and mistrust in the immediate-past administration, on account of how it handled some of its constitutional responsibilities, in a manner that made it appear like a rubber stamp to many,” the statement reads.

“It should be noted that more than ever before, there is palpable apprehension among the people over the quality of service delivery the 10th senate would offer to the people.”

The group said Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto south and a former governor of the state, is the best candidate for the position of senate minority leader.

“He is known to be a level headed team player, who will rally opposition parties to give a resounding voice of reason on behalf of the Nigerian people, for good governance and peace of the nation, devoid of rancour, pettiness or divisiveness,” they said.

“Such an individual imbued with this unique personality of calming candour, should be projected by all well-meaning party men and women, rather than dragged on the mud of internal party politics and rivalry.

“The ruling party and the external forces sweating to stop Tambuwal should stop fretting about his emergence, but rather prepare to give the Nigerian people the kind of responsible leadership they deserve.”