The All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria, has distanced itself from the appointment of principal officers announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
During the Tuesday plenary session, the presiding officers of the National Assembly unveiled the new leaders.
In the Senate majority caucus, Akpabio named Opeyemi Bamidele as Majority Leader, David Umahi as Deputy Majority Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume as Senate Majority Whip, and Lola Ashiru as Deputy Majority Whip.
Meanwhile, Abbas announced that Julius Ihonvbere, the lawmaker representing Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency of Edo, would serve as the majority leader. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, the legislator representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro in Kogi, was appointed as the deputy majority leader. The speaker also designated Bello Usman Kumo, who represents Akko federal constituency of Gombe, as the chief whip, and Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, who represents Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North federal constituency in Ogun, as the deputy chief whip.
However, addressing the party’s governors, National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu stated that the APC had no involvement in the selection of these lawmakers.
“The election of the principal officers of the Senate by the Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The election of the speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have been determined and announced and their responsibilities.”
“The remaining offices will be determined by the two chambers is yet to be done. I had a courtesy call on Saturday from the President of the Senate and his Deputy. The following which was Sunday, I received the visit by the Speaker and his Deputy Speaker coming to me for Sallah’s homage.
“But, I am just hearing as a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“The national headquarters of the party of the NWC has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of offices.”
“And until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions. So whatever announcement is done either the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this secretariat.”
