By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

National Assembly watchdog, Assembly Watch, has warned against electing a new Senate President to replace the incumbent, Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, would spell doom for the country.

Leader of Assembly Watch, Abraham Owoicho, who gave the warning, noted that under Lawan’s watch, the National Assembly has not only been stabilised but recorded various achievements.

Owoich warned on the negative consequences of zoning the Senate Presidency to any part of the country, particularly the northern states, and picking another person to occupy the coveted seat.

According to Assembly Watch leader, a new senate helms man would be a set back to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly which has recorded laudable achievements credited to the Senate President.

Owoicho was of the view that “for competence, efficiency, capacity and stability of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan should continue as the next Senate President in the 10th Senate.”

He asserted that apart from reverting and sustaining budget cycle from January to December, budget debates and passage, strict budget implementation in the last four years have been the hallmark of the 9th Senate led by Lawan which has made it imperative for the incumbent Senate President to continue in office to lead the 10th Senate.

Assembly watch which is charged with monitoring the activities of federal lawmakers lauded the cordial relationship between the Executive and the 9th Senate, away from the experience of the 8th Senate, as the current order had stabilized budgeting in Nigeria and issues of national interest.

Owoicho, therefore, urged the APC leadership, Senators and the President-elect to appreciate Lawan’s effective leadership style and competence and consider him for continuity.

Owoicho said: “His control and management of the National Assembly as Chairman and the activities of the 9th Senate handled with all maturity it deserved have placed Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan for continuity.

“It is on record that the 9th Assembly under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and Rt. Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila passed many bills, adopted several motions that have resulted in the overall successes, both in the public and private sector of the Nigerian economy.

“The implications of selecting another Senate President will be colossal, as Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan has been tested and trusted not only in the last four years, but since 1999."

“The unique performance by the 9th Senate President under Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan has encouraged budget discipline, improved monitoring and project execution and has reduced budget padding to the barest minimum.”

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