Bayelsa guber aspirant, 35, condemns Senate fracas

Chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, Moses Siasia has condemned the fracas that erupted at the National Assembly over the election of principal officers on Thursday.

Siasia, in a statement urged Legislators to be mindful of their actions, which according to him: “Doesn’t inspire good leadership example to the younger generation.“
“I wish to condemn in the strongest of terms the unfortunate event that happened on Thursday at the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives in course of choosing principal officers of the House which led to the mace, the symbol of authority of the House being taken out of the Chambers and caused the nation serious embarrassment.

“I find it indeed regrettable that some of our fathers could not resist the temptation to self help as this will send a very wrong signal to the younger generation.

“Our legislators in both chambers must know that young Nigerians are always watching and looking up to them for inspiration, leadership and mentorship.

“I find it particularly disheartening that young folks like me had to watch members of the House of Reps who are supposed to be honourable members engage in this very dishonorable act of fighting and unruly behaviour.
“To me, lawmakers should always be above board and never be found wanton in any way that will bring disrepute to their offices or the institution of the National Assembly.
“It should be unheard of that lawmakers will suddenly become law breakers right inside the chambers of the National Assembly even in the full glare of the nation on national television.

“Yes, democracy guarantees freedom of expression but not freedom of lawlessness. Our legislators must not allow young Nigerians to lose confidence and respect in them and the institution of the National Assembly because of their conduct.

“In my opinion, the leadership tussle could have been resolved through matured and diplomatic ways instead of confrontation. A simple “Walk-Out” by aggrieved Honourable Members would have sent a very clear message to the leadership of the House and could have resulted into immediate resolution of this matter.

“I urge our legislators to always tour the path of peace as conducts like this in the past even resulted into the death of one of our finest legislators,” Siasia pled.
He further called on the legislators to be mindful of what impressions the international communities, friends of Nigeria and even children who are watching them closely may form.

“They should show the world that our democracy has come of age and be exemplary always,” he summed.