Prior to the installation of the presiding officers this week, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed there is a plot to intimidate a number of newly elected National Assembly members.
Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary, claimed that some of them who insisted on the independence of the legislature have been targeted for arrest.
Senators Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau have received the support of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.
Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu were chosen by the ruling party to serve as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.
On Saturday in Abuja, the PDP counseled the incoming lawmakers to choose parliamentary leaders who would be obedient to and answerable to Nigerians.
Former Rep member Ologunagba said, “The feelers we are getting is that some elements within the APC have become jittery.
In an effort to influence the results of the election on Tuesday, “some APC elements are making intimidation, harassment, and threat attempts against lawmakers-elect.”
The PDP argued that members-elect must have the ability to choose their leadership because the independence of the legislature is a requirement for a healthy democracy.
As lawmakers participate in Tuesday’s voting process, the opposition urged them to “recognize the weight and responsibility expected of them.”
