A Member of the ‘Novelty Group’ in the House of Representatives, has denied reports of a plan to impeach Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers.
Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo (APC-Ekiti) who gave the clarification in Abuja during an interview with select Parliamentary Correspondents confirmed the existence of the splinter group, stating it is a conglomeration of first-time Lawmakers aiming to promote Members’ welfare, not plot against the leadership.
He stressed that, There is no Member or group of Members that intend to change the leadership or try to work against the leadership structure as far as I know.
“But what I’m aware is that I am a Member of the Novelty Group, it’s a conglomeration of First Timers.”
Lawmakers maintained that: “there was nothing like a gang up against the leadership of the House or a threat to them. What I know is I’m a Member of the Novelty Group, which is a first timer group which is normal in every Assembly.
“They had in the 9th Assembly, they had in the 8th Assembly, so it’s just normal. But what the Novelty Group is for, is for the welfare of Members regardless of either first time or second time or ranking officer. It’s just general welfare of Members. That was what the group was set out to achieve, not to witch-hunt or to effect changes in the leadership, there was nothing of such to my knowledge.”
“Not strictly for new Members alone, some returning Members are also joining the group. So, it’s just like a pressure group in the House to press for their entitlement, not a group that will work against the leadership structure, nothing of such is in anybody’s mind as of now,” he stressed.
Akinlayo said that, The House leadership remains committed to inclusive and transparent governance, ensuring that all Members, including first-time Representatives, are adequately represented and have their voices heard,”
Speaking on the issue of employment in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Akinlayo announced plans to present a motion addressing secret employment in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), advocating for transparency and National Assembly input in the hiring process.
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