Tambuwal’s election a slap on impunity of the Presidency – IBB

Posted by admin House, Ibrahim Babangida (1985-93), Latest Politics, Legislature, Presidency Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida has commended the House of Representatives for jettisoning the zoning formula as dictated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying the election of Speaker Tambuwal would check the culture of impunity and interference in legislative affairs by the Presidency.

This came as the newly elected Speaker of the House, Rep Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to redeem the heavily battered image of the House of Representatives.

Babangida in a statement said he was excited from his place of retirement equally praised Senate President David Mark for bringing military discipline to bear in the stability of the Senate.

Gen. Babangida’s statement congratulating the new leadership of the National Assembly and entitled “The triumph of reason” was signed on his behalf by his spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Commending the lawmakers over their choice, Babangida said: “From my retirement abode, I feel excited about the bold and courageous step taken by the National Assembly (upper and lower houses) through a show of independence for electing their leaderships— Senator David Mark as Senate President for continuity of robust Senate policies and Hon. Aminu Waziri-Tambuwal as Honourable Speaker.

“The Lower House must be commended for putting the Federal Constitution above partisan interest in the election of the Honourable Speaker, putting to an end, month-long scheming and manipulation.

“The bold moves of the House of Representatives will further strengthen our democratic structures and entrench a culture of separation of powers with its manifest checks and balances for a people-driven democracy.

“It is a wake-up call and the earlier the polity allowed this culture of separation of powers to flourish, the better it would be for participatory democracy. I, therefore, congratulate both leadership of the National Assembly for being true representatives of the people. Well done. I salute your courage.”

While assuring the legislators of his support, he said:

“The example that the Federal House has shown would go a long way to eliminate culture of impunity and executive interference in the internal operations and workings of the Legislature. It will promote sound debate and robust interaction among the lawmakers for the overall interest of the country. I have no doubt about the capability of Honourable Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to discharging his legislative duties with his irrepressible Deputy, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

“This combination will no doubt give Nigerians true and positive representation in the act of law-making and stability of democracy. The leadership of the National Assembly is answerable to Nigerians irrespective of political party affiliations hence it is incumbent upon them to put the interest of the country at heart far and above pecuniary or Party interest.

“Let me specifically commend the leadership of my Distinguished Senator David Mark for the stability of the Senate and the Legislature in general. It is the hallmark of military discipline and deep sense of responsibility. And to Honourable Speaker Aminu Waziri-Tambuwal, you have my support always.”

Tambuwal sets up c’ttee on media relations

The seven–man committee is expected to come out with recommendations as to how to redeem the image of the Reps who were embroiled in various alleged financial crimes totalling over N21 billion in the life span of the Assembly.

In his maiden speech on Monday, Speaker Tambuwal said: ”We acknowledge that the dignity and integrity of this Honourable House have been called to question and we must possess the humility that commands introspection.

“We accept responsibility for our failures and ask Nigerians for their forgiveness and mindful of mistakes of the past. We will open a new chapter as this House would act responsibly in all its endeavours.

“We will be responsive, transparent and accountable in all we do and we must recognise one common truth: we are the peoples representatives.”

With the above words, the Speaker opened a new vista of hope for Nigerians and confirmed the fact that the last Assembly had a very rough terrain as the number of scandals that rocked it was alarming when compared to other assemblies.

The leadership has been levelled with various allegations, ranging from alleged N9 billion House budget scam, car scam and the last scandal of an alleged N10 billion bank loan financial fraud.

-Vanguardwp_posts