PDP National Assembly members-to-be have been urged to carry out their duties in accordance with the Constitution by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election.
Additionally, he urged them to avoid joining the “rubber-stamp legislative arm or those who might want to rule as dictators.”
Speaking at a one-day retreat for elected National Assembly members on Saturday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Bauchi, the former vice president urged them to keep in mind that their primary responsibility as members of the opposition was holding the current administration accountable.
He asserted that they must do this to show that the party was prepared to take office as soon as possible.
“Our party ran on a platform of specific programmes and policies, so keep in mind that the Nigerian people expect your work in the National Assembly to reflect the commitments we made to them during the campaign. It is insufficient to say that you are not currently a member of the INEC-selected governing party.
He said, “You must work together to push the interim administration towards policies and initiatives that benefit the Nigerian people.
The rubber-stamp legislative branch or those who might want to rule as dictators shouldn’t be a part of your affiliation, he continued. You should contribute to ensuring the long-term viability of our democracy.
As you are aware, the PDP is still the only political party that is truly owned by its constituents as opposed to one or more godfathers. In the PDP, the party is the biggest, best, and most significant group of members.
“In the areas you serve, you represent the party. Try not to leave your party merely because of the INEC-caused temporary setback. The truth and the good will ultimately prevail over lies and evil.
“As a result, I ask that you please maintain your resolve and avoid working alone. In order to produce significant results and stay connected to your roots—your constituents and other stakeholders—you are a team, and you should always work as a team.
Atiku stated that he was confident in the party’s ability to win its case in front of the Presidential Election Petition Court.
“According to the results declared by INEC, and pending the outcome of the legal challenges, our members-elect do not constitute a majority in the National Assembly.
So, while preparing for potential roles as the majority party when the cases are resolved, they must currently plan to work as an effective, constructive opposition. Keep your hope alive.
By eliminating the fuel subsidy without providing relief for those affected, according to the Turakin Adamawa, the Federal Government had put the people through unspeakable hardship.
“Let me just say a quick word about the recently announced elimination of fuel subsidies. I served as the committee’s chair during the PDP government’s initial removal of petroleum subsidies from 1999 to 2007. We removed subsidies in two phases, but only after giving those who would be most negatively impacted by the removal of subsidies palliative care, he continued.
Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has been chosen as the PDP Governors’ Forum’s chairman in the meantime.
Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, will be replaced by Mohammed, according to Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, who made the announcement at the conclusion of a closed-door meeting of the governors on Saturday at the office of the governor of Bauchi. Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, was chosen to serve as the forum’s vice chairman.
