Reps Restrict Principal Offices To Lawmakers With Full Term Experience

The House of Representatives has resolved that only lawmakers who have completed at least one full four-year term in the chamber are eligible for appointment as Principal Officers, reaffirming its interpretation of the House Standing Orders on legislative experience.

Lawmakers said the clarification was aimed at strengthening institutional continuity, promoting legislative stability and reducing avoidable disputes over leadership positions within the House.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary.

Presenting the motion, Benson argued that parliamentary practice in many democratic countries reserves principal leadership positions for experienced legislators to preserve institutional memory, deepen understanding of legislative procedures and enhance competence in constitutional interpretation and intergovernmental relations.

He said the move would reinforce continuity in the legislature and ensure that those occupying key leadership positions possess adequate parliamentary experience.

The House also referred to a recent development in the 10th Senate, where “cognate legislative experience” was interpreted to mean that only senators who had completed at least one full four-year term were eligible for principal offices.

“Under that interpretation, lawmakers with multiple previous terms are also required to have served in the immediate past Assembly to qualify for such positions.”

According to the resolution, the clarification is intended to promote parliamentary stability, legislative continuity and mature representation in regional and international parliamentary engagements.

In adopting the motion, the House reaffirmed its position in line with Order Seven, Rule 15 of its Standing Orders, which provides that only members with cognate legislative experience as members of the House of Representatives are eligible for appointment as Principal Officers.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji