Reps groups want Speakership subjected to public debate

As the race for Speakership of the House of Representatives heightens, some members under the aegis of, ‘The Patriots,’ have announced that contenders will be subjected to a public debate.

This idea appears like a new strategy geared towards determining the head of the lower house.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, convener of ‘The Patriots’ Musa Sarkin Ada (APC, Sokoto), announced that his group would conduct integrity test among the various contenders for the speaker’s seat in order to have the best out of them.

According to him, members will, among other things, look at competence, confidence, integrity, knowledge, experience, track-records, versatility, reliability, networking among others.

Ada assured that, his group would focus on the “quality of candidates as opposed to business-as-usual.”

He added: “We are more interested in setting the parameters, principles, vision, mission, quality and commitment of those who aspire to lead us, as opposed to supporting individuals in return for sharing spoils of office.

“For the above to happen, The Patriots intend to conduct an integrity test for interested candidates wishing to contest leadership positions of the House by way of open, televised debate that will provide an opportunity to scrutinise their credentials.”

On whether the group would adhere to the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoning arrangement for key positions of the National Assembly if the party finally decides, Sarkin Ada advised the party to agree with the mood of the House, considering how speakers had emerged in the past.

He disclosed that ‘The Patriots’, consists of members-elect from across different political parties and urged the APC to respect the outcome of such debate if it holds.

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