APC Lawmakers Accuse Speaker Dogara of Waging "War" Against Party, Presidency

Strategic Insights -

The rift between some aggrieved members of the House of Representatives on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform and the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, continues to deepen. Led by Hon. Musa Serikin Adar, the "Loyalists Group" of APC federal lawmakers, accused the Speaker of declaring an outright war against the party and the presidency by ceding vital committee positions to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The group claims that only a reversal of the current composition of the House committees would assuage the feelings of members and serve the interest of Nigerians who are waiting for the APC's promised change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The group accuses Speaker Dogara of declaring war against the APC and the presidency by ceding vital committee positions to the opposition PDP.
  • The composition of headships of committees is allegedly a declaration of war against the APC and the presidency, aimed at sabotaging the majority advantage of the APC.
  • The group shares affinity with the House Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and claims that the Speaker has taken the APC for granted on past occasions, including his contempt for the APC's National Leadership.
  • The Speaker has allegedly frustrated efforts by patriotic members to table salutary motions aimed at commending and encouraging the President's anti-corruption measures.
  • The Speaker has been accused of suppressing critical and dissenting voices from contributing in debates at plenary sessions, while promoting the dominance of activities of the House by hostile opposition elements.
  • The Speaker has also been accused of pursuing a tyrannical agenda, causing a motley crowd of co-conspirators to amend the House Rules to enable him suspend members at will and apply punitive measures.

Statistics:

  • 96 standing committees were inaugurated by the Speaker, despite controversy surrounding the appointments.
  • The Committee on Education was split into Basic Education and Tertiary Education, while the Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) was created in response to contemporary demands.
  • No increase in the National Assembly budget resulted from the creation of new committees.
  • The Speaker explained that committee clerks and staff are sourced from the existing pool of staff, with no increase in remuneration for committee members or chairmen.

Sources:

  • This Day
  • AllAfrica Global Media via COMTEX
  • Hon. Musa Serikin Adar (APC Sokoto)
  • Hon. Yakubu Dogara
  • Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila
  • Hon. Jonathan Gaza (Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity)