Opposition members-elect of the House of Representatives have backed out in the race of producing the speaker and deputy speaker of the green chamber.
The opposition camp is made up of lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Labour Party (LP); New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP); Africa Democratic Congress (ADC); Young People’s Party (YPP); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Afam Victor Ogene (LP Anambra) who speaks for the caucus said none of their members showed interest in contesting for the two positions.
An 11-man Committee charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for presiding officers was set up.
However, Mr Ogene, during the meeting of the group in Abuja Monday night, disclosed that as at the end of the period given to undertake that assignment, no member of the minority caucus stepped forward to indicate interest.
“I wish to report on behalf of the chairman of that committee and the entire members, that as at the end of the period given to undertake that assignment, no member of the minority caucus better known as The Greater Majority stepped forward to contest for the role of presiding officers,” he said at the gathering.
“Deductively, this means that we are not bidding for those two positions. However, we remain united as one caucus of the opposition parties.”
He also said they have also met with APC aspirants and they seem to be qualified, adding that the details of the meeting with the aspirants would not be disclosed until other members were briefed.
“We did also meet with those aspiring for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, but because we have not briefed our members, I will not go into details of our interface. But I can assure you, everyone that put him or herself running for the position appear to be qualified.”
