Magnus Eze, Enugu
Ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly, the Coalition of South East Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations, has said anything less than the senate president or speaker of the House of Representatives is not good enough for the South East.
The zone, they said, has, since 1999, held the positions of senate president; deputy senate president and deputy speaker but, the next highest position which the zone never had a shot at is the speakership.
In a press conference jointly addressed in Enugu, yesterday, by the conveners, Jasper Uche and Ibuchukwu Ezike, the non-state actors said conceding the position of speaker to the zone would douse the impression that President Muhammadu Buhari hates the Igbo.
The group clearly endorsed Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi of Abia State of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is returning to the Green Chambers for the fourth term as their preferred choice for the position.
“She has very strong negotiating power, especially because she is not into deals.
“So far, the number of women making the 9th National Assembly is very low, coupled with the president’s promise to run an inclusive government, where women and youths would be given attention, therefore, it would present the nation in a good light, globally.
“Nigeria should be leading the charge in the push for gender inclusion. Making a woman speaker this time around will give the women a voice,” Uche said.
They, therefore, called on women organisations to rise and support the cause; adding that, “we have seen that this woman has integrity and she’s credible.”