Nigerian Federal lawmakers have warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC caucus in the House of Representatives not to distract the House with its 2019 ambitions.
The warning was issued by the Parliamentary Democrats Group (PDG) in the House of Representatives which cautioned the APC lawmakers from distracting them from their legislative functions.
The group also warned the APC lawmakers against toying with the idea of impeaching the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, saying it would resist such attempt with fire.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson Rep. Timothy Golu, in Abuja on Thursday the group informed Nigerians that it had followed with keen interest the series of accusations and counter-accusations of support groups among the APC caucus in the lower chamber.
Excerpts from the Statement read;
“We believe that it is the aftermath of the gale of defections that had hit the APC in recent times, of which more are being expected that is affecting the members.
However, any issue that concerns the larger house will not cease to get our attention, especially the accusation by one group that another group is contemplating the impeachment of the speaker. We want to warn that such discussions should start and end at the APC secretariat or the secretariats of the various APC house groups.
Read: U.S Economy Will Crash If I am Impeached – Donald Trump
We are keeping our eyes and ears wide open for any such eventuality and to restate our readiness to return fire for fire on anyone thinking of it. If they claim that someone is thinking of becoming speaker in 2019 when the current tenure has not ended, it will not be out of place to suspect such motives.
This is especially so when the same people have been talking strongly on the urgent need to address critical legislative issues.” The lawmakers stated.
The group also praised the Speaker of the House reiterating that he had been a wonderful leader in the house full of respect for his colleagues and the fear of God while leading the house in accordance with its rules.
“He has performed very well in providing the expected legislative leadership. If anyone is thinking of replacing him even when this tenure is not yet ended, then it means a lot may be happening underground”. The group maintained.
The lawmakers then went ahead to call on their colleagues in the APC to allow the house run smoothly until the present tenure ends in 2019.