We’ll not centre leadership on money – Reps member-elect, Agbese

The Honourable Member-elect, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Agbese Philip has said the leadership election of the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly will not be influenced by money.

Agbese stated this while featuring on the AIT programme, Kakaaki, on Tuesday morning.

He was reacting to the reports in some sections of the media that monies were exchanging hands towards the House of Representatives leadership election.

He said, “I have not attended any meeting where money was being exchanged for leadership positions. Yes, it might be true, but I’ve not attended such a meeting. And at the nationalist forum, we are not out to centre the leadership election on money. I don’t think any member of our forum shall take money from anyone just to vote.”

The lawmaker said he may be a first-timer at the National Assembly but has experience in parliamentary issues, having belonged to other parliamentary bodies outside the country.

Agbese said, “I may be coming to the national assembly for the first time, but this is not my first time in the parliament, I’ve been in parliament across the world before, so I have experience in lawmaking before now.

“In terms of the 10th assembly leadership, we are all working together. We have a nationalist forum, to which I’m the convener. We are talking and discussing across the board to establish the fact that competent persons are elected as Nass leaders. The party [APC] is also working with us on how to have a free leadership election.

“The law/rule book has said, house members shall have the prerogative to elect their leaders, so, while we are waiting for the party to come up with zoning, we are also talking with other political parties, reminding every major player of youth advocacy, that leadership election should also reflect the yearning of the youths.”

On his responsibilities to his constituents, he said, “I know expectations are high as to what is expected of me. And I know by the grace of God and with their prayers, I shall deliver on my promises”.