Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, a socio-political group, has urged in-coming members of 9thHouse of Representatives to elect a Speaker without a moral burden or questionable history.
National Coordinator of the group, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that as the number four citizen of the country, speaker of the nation’s parliament should not be tainted in any way.
According to him, speaker of the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, like his counterpart of the Upper Chamber, must be someone with no moral burden and must be above board in his dealings.
Olajengbesi, therefore, urged members-elect to make the choice of a speaker that would not attract disrespect to the House or lower its repute.
“The Green Chamber is a hallowed ground and its choice of leader must be one measurable by the loftiest standards, impeccable in character and devoid of flaws which can haunt its image nationally and internationally.”
Olajengbesi had at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday, urged the Police and anti-graft agencies to investigate, scrutinise and clear candidates vying for leadership positions in the National Assembly.
He recalled that his group had resolved to painstakingly investigate the candidates vying for the positions “to search out men of integrity with the moral spine to hold such revered office.’’
The coordinator said that the group was worried about what happened during the 8th National Assembly where some lawmakers were faced with corruption charges and still held on to their positions.
“The 8th National Assembly will be remembered for many things, particularly various controversies that revolved around it.
“This group is worried that those that will be in charge of affairs of the 9th Assembly should be individuals that will uphold the interest of the masses instead of pursuing personal gains,” he said.
He pledged that the group would continue its investigation on candidates in the speakership race and keep the media and public abreast of its findings.
