The Northern Youth Council has expressed support for the member-elect for Ehimembano and Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Emeka Nwajiuba, to emerge as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The council said its decision was based on equity, fairness and balanced representation of six geopolitical zones in the country.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, the National President of NYC, Yahaya Salisu, said the decision to back Nwajiuba was borne out of the desire for a healthy working relationship between the executive and the legislative.
He lamented the strained relationship between the executive and legislative arms in the last dispensation, stressing the need for a robust relationship that would aid development in the critical sector.
He said, “Northern Youth Movement stands for good governance and protection of the Nigerian nascent democracy enlightenment and participation in a democratic process for the overall interest of the Northern Youth and indeed Nigeria as a whole.
“The need to get it right this time, for the smooth running of the affairs of government as we go into yet another new term of four years mandate given to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Ninth Assembly by the Nigerian people is what informed this press release.
“The Northern Youth Council in its wisdom felt the need to call on the newly elected members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly irrespective of their political party to consider Emeka Nwajiuba an experienced member from Imo State. Patriot, a detribalised person who has contributed to the growth of our democracy to the position of the Speaker of the National Assembly.”
Salisu said fair representation demanded the South East be considered for the position.
“The North West has produced the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The South West has produced the Vice President of Nigerian; for equity, justice, and fair representation, the South East should be given the speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in that zone Hon. Dr. Emeka (Nwajiuba) deserves to be in the position due to his vast experience and educational qualification as a Ph.D holder.
“While we salute the courage and good efforts of the APC National working committee for holding an interactive meeting with the elected incoming members of the House of Representatives, we advise that such should hold for the incoming Senators.”
The NYC called on all the members of the National Assembly elect especially those of the lower chamber to support the call.
