…By for TDPel Media.
Reports suggest that tension is brewing in the National Assembly as the list of standing committees is expected to be unveiled.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reportedly given approval for the establishment of 130 Standing Committees, along with 24 new committees, set to be announced on the following day.
Revealing the Newly Created Committees
The 24 newly created Standing Committees encompass various sectors, including Aviation Technology, Banking & Other Ancillary Institutions, Digital & Electronic Banking, Examination Bodies, Health Specialty Care Services, and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, among others.
This move signifies a significant restructuring of the committee system to address the diverse needs of the nation.
Leadership Announcements and Allegations of Favoritism
During an interactive session with the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, the Speaker disclosed that Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the 130 Standing Committees would be announced on the same day before the National Assembly proceeds on a two-month recess.
However, there are indications of tension within the National Assembly, with some lawmakers alleging favoritism towards the Lagos caucus over others.
Presidency’s Alleged Involvement in Committee Selection
Sources within the National Assembly claim that the statutory functions of the Senate and House of Representatives’ presiding officers in selecting committee leadership and membership have been allegedly hijacked by the Presidency.
The selection committee formed by the House to handle these responsibilities is reportedly rendered redundant.
Formation of “Reformation Group” and Discontent Among Lawmakers
Amidst the growing dissatisfaction, some aggrieved lawmakers have purportedly formed a dissident group named the “Reformation Group.” Led by a lawmaker from the North East, this group aims to voice opposition against the leadership of the two chambers.
The members of this group primarily come from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones.
Discontent Over Power-Sharing Arrangements and Committee Allocation
Lawmakers from the North-Central are reportedly still aggrieved by the exclusion of their zone from allocation of the six main offices in the Presidency and the National Assembly.
Additionally, lawmakers from the South-West are disenchanted with the dominant role played by Lagos State in the zone’s power-sharing arrangement at the federal level.
Promises Unfulfilled and Opposition Mounting
Some contenders for the position of Speaker of the House, who withdrew their aspirations in favor of Tajudeen Abbas, are said to be supporting the Reformation Group.
Their discontent arises from unfulfilled promises made to them as an incentive to step down from their aspirations.
Unveiling the Group’s Mission During Recess
The Reformation Group plans to unveil its mission during the six-week recess set to commence on Friday.
As the tension mounts and lawmakers express their grievances, the National Assembly faces a period of intense scrutiny and internal dynamics in the coming weeks.
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