Yemisi Izuora
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has saluted the sensibility of the 8th National Assembly, especially the Senate, for rejecting the imposition of candidates as their leaders as has been the tradition in the past, the House of Representatives having done this earlier during the inauguration of the 7th Assembly that produced Rt Hons. AminuTambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
‘CLO makes bold to say that the elections at both Chambers were not only credible, transparent and democratic but participatory and, therefore, has fulfilled the requirements of a truly democratic exercise. As the campaigners for a free, truly democratic, open and just society, we are glad that the leaders of the NASS, for the first time, since 199, were elected without interference from outside the hallowed Chambers.
We see this as a good omen for our democracy and urge the Senators and Honourable members to close ranks, leave the past behind them and begin to forge strategies that would stabilize our polity and usher in an era that would put smiles on the faces of Nigerians who have become tired of the elite conspiracies against them’ the organization said in a statement made available to Oriental News Nigeria.
In the statement signed by Comrade Igho Akeregha, president and executive director and Comrade, Ibuchukwu Ohabueny iEzike, national secretary said ‘CLO hails the actions of the NASS members, in one hand, and, on the other hand, President Mohammadu Buhari, for maintaining his earlier position that he would not interfere with the election of NASS leadership, and for offering to work with the leadership of NASS thereafter. This way, our democracy will grow, establish and take root as it is in other civilized nations of the world.
It said time has come and that time is now when Nigeria must stand up to be counted in the comity of democratic global nations and as the leader of the African Continent.
‘Lastly, CLO congratulates the new NASS leadership and President Mohammed Buhari and encourage them to lead a healthy, robust and honest tenure that will bring peace and happiness to all Nigerians’ the statement added.