The former chairman of the Senate Committee, Rules and Business, Ita Enang, has asserted that internal accord and unison of new and re-elected members of the House is imperative to vote in new leaders of the National Assembly (NASS).

The selection of leadership under the standing order is within the house and it is the true position of the Constitution. This paints a picture of no interference from the electorate, Enang said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.

The emeritus Adviser to President Buhari on National Assembly Matters said “No matter the level of zoning you do, the level of choosing you to do, it is the level of consultation, in-house agreement, the level of persuasion and buy-in of the senators-elect and members elect that will produce the ultimate person.

“The party, in taking a decision in one way or the other will have to consult with them (Members and senators-elect) in advance.”

He implored members-elect of the National Assembly to remember that they are elected to represent their constituents and not get distracted by the politicking involved in selecting the leadership of the National Assembly.

According to him, the party is not recognized in the oath-taking by the elected lawmakers, adding that the leadership of the political parties would seek to be relevant and their concerns catered to.

However, he noted that there should be a place for equality in the opinion of members of the house to incorporate a decision for the leadership selection.

“You find out what is their preference, you find out what is the constitutional provision, you find out what is their leaning, you find out the content that the members will want.

“If you don’t do that you will have the Tambuwal-Mulikat situation, or you will have the Dogara situation, and if you are not tactical enough, you will have the Saraki-Ekweremadu 2-0 situation

‘BALANCING’

The Senator stated that the leadership of the political party in power will often want to play the role of balancing because these are the highest level of influence in the six political zones.

He said a failure in balancing the leadership position gives active room for the opposition party to forestall the effort of a party in power.

“The opposition party are good to produce, frustrate and make sure one sweat. This is not unusual, but the decision rest with the members,” he said.

“They would have to consult and relate with the party to make sure they have a balance, the party should ensure that you have their agreement, you have their understanding, and you have their buy-in,” he added.

He noted that the decision, as to who becomes the speaker, the Senate president, and the deputies will definitely come from amongst their members.