A House of Representatives member-elect representing Ayamelum/Oyi federal Constituency in Anambra state, Mr. Gabriel Onyeweife Tuesday, declared that both old and new members had the legal right to contest for the post of speaker of the lower chamber.

Onyeweife who recently attended the induction course organized for National Assembly members-elect held in Abuja said there was no known law that stipulates that only old members of the House of Representatives were eligible to contest for the plum position.

“Once the president-elect, General Muhammadu Bhuhari proclaims the inauguration of the House of Representatives, the clerk conducts the election of the speaker as the presiding officer in line with order 2 Rule 4”.

He explained that, “order 2 Rule 4 states that no issue of privilege or right should be accorded any member until after the election”.