Date: 2010-11-15

A PDP Presidential aspirant and Kwara State Governor, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has cautioned members of the National Assembly to be wary of action that is capable of contravening the principles of Internal Democracy in the process of amending the constitution.

Governor Saraki gave the warning in Minna, yesterday during his consultation with his Niger State counterpart, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu on how to ensure speedy deliberations on the constitutional amendment exercise by the States houses of Assembly.

The Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum noted that the proposed inclusion in the constitutional amendment which would automatically made legislators members of National Executive Committee of their party contravened the principles of Internal Democracy.

While assuring that, the deliberations on the constitutional amendment exercise across the state would go on as planned, he lamented that such acts would dent the good image and democratic credentials members of the National Assembly had built over the years.

According to him, "I have come to consult on the Electoral Act amendment process to include federal legislators as automatic NEC members, this would be contrary to the principles of internal democracy and it will dent the good image and democratic credentials of members built over the years".

He however, assured the legislators that "the issue as it affects the legislators would be looked into with a view to resolving their concern and their interest would be taken care in accordance with the democratic principle rather than seek to do that by pursuing a self serving law that is not in the overall interest of members and the country.

Earlier, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, had informed governor Bukola Saraki that Niger State had already kicked against the proposed act that seeks to expand membership of NEC of political parties to include members of National Assembly automatically.

The Chief Servant maintained that the current party constitution has provided for leadership of the National Assembly to be part of the NEC adding that, "I see no reason why the membership should be bloated for personal reasons".

He queried the rationale why the State Assembly members were not included in the bill, noting that, having discussed the matter in the state, why should the bill not include state assembly members as State NEC and councilors as Local government NEC.

Also, governor Aliyu described the proposed staggered election as illogical stating that, having presidential election staggered defies logic and tradition of election in the country where we have state before National Assembly and Presidential Elections.

The Northern Governors Forum Chairman commended Governor Bukola Saraki avowed determination and interests towards ensuring the country was not drifted from the path of honour.

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
15/11/2010