The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has cautioned politicians against overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Tambuwal gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Mr Okey Wali.
He urged politicians to conduct themselves with decorum and not to take the electorate for granted.
“Card carrying members of political parties are at best about 25 per cent of the Nigerian population. This 25 per cent should not hold the remaining 75 per cent in contempt.
“We should respect them and ensure that whatever we do in terms of politics is done within the confines of the law and the constitution.”
The speaker expressed dismay at the recent political events in the country, noting that if politicians played by the rules of the game the problems could be avoided.
“What we are witnessing today is something that ordinarily should be avoided; we should as a matter of fact go back to the rules of engagement of the game.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to signal and allow for political activities to begin.
“Therefore, politicians should exercise some restraints and ensure that we only come out when it is time for us to do so.”
Tambuwal said that political officeholders had abandoned governance for politicking and issues bothering on 2015.
“What we need at the moment is for all of us to pay attention to the various mandates we have been given and concentrate on our work and ensure that we deliver on those mandates.
“Whoever does well will receive kudos of Nigerians.
“When the time comes, if you do not do well Nigerians will show you the way out through the ballot. It is a very simple practice of democracy.”
Earlier, Wali restated the association’s readiness to collaborate with the house, and urged the parliament to fast track the passage of sundry bills pending before it. (NAN)
