A pro-democracy organisation, Rebirth Africa Initiative (RAI), has applauded the President-elect, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress over their decision to revisit the zoning template for the 10th National Assembly.
Recall that a barrage of criticism had trailed the ruling party’s National Working Committee proposed zoning arrangement for the leadership of the incoming assembly.
The APC had last week Monday endorsed a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godwill Akpabio, (from Akwa Ibom State in South-south) for Senate President, and Tajudeen Abbas (from Kaduna State in North-west) for Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Announcing the zoning formula, after an NWC meeting in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, also confirmed Senator Barau Jubrin (North-west) as Deputy Senate President, and Ben Kalu (South-east) as Deputy Speaker of the House.
However, the APC appears to have yielded to the calls of stakeholders by promising to revisit the proposed arrangement.
In reaction, the Rebirth Africa Initiative said the ruling party has taken the best step to address the yearnings of its members who have demanded proper consultation.
A statement signed by Dr. Hamza Sanusi said this decision will quell inevitable crisis and tension in the party, especially with the opposition aiming to take advantage.
Sanusi further said the pronouncement will potentially bring equity, justice, and fairness to all party members.
He, therefore, tasked the party leadership to sit down and take a conscious decision to do things differently.
According to Sanusi, the APC must embrace the principles of dialogue and negotiation, adding that they should talk to all the zones and ask them what they want.
“We welcome the decision of the APC to revisit its zoning arrangement for the 10th NASS as the best way to go,” the statement said in part.
“The previous position of the party had given rise to some unavoidable controversies, rancour, and a potential crisis. It was as though the party set itself up for destruction.
“But by accepting to take another look at this template, the APC has demonstrated that it is a listening party, interested in peace and progress.
“We are proud of the President-elect and the APC leadership. In the face of intimidation and oppression, they have made the right decision”
Consequently, the Rebirth Africa Initiative urged the APC in its new template to cede the Speakership position to the North Central.
Sanusi said the region has been grossly neglected despite its overwhelming support for the party.
“For the sake of inclusion, equity, and justice, we are appealing to the APC to consider the North Central for the position of Speaker,” the statement added.
“The region has suffered massive neglect in recent years despite its support for the APC. If indeed the party wants to get it right, then they should do the right thing”.