By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
Forum of Non Serving Senators of the Second to the Fourth Republics yesterday urged all those aspiring for the position of Senate President in the 10th Assembly to withdraw and support former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, to emerge in the forthcoming June 13 election of Senate President.
In a communique read by the Convener of the group, Bashir Lado, the forum said for peace and equity, Akpabio is the right candidate for the position, adding that the position of Deputy Senate President should be zoned to the Northwest, and zeroed in Senator Barau Jibril.
“We, in the spirit of equity, fairness, political expediency and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, hereby express our total support for the zoning of the position of the President of the 10th Senate, to the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria.
“We also affirm our unfettered support for the position of the President of the 10th Senate who also doubles as the Chairman of the National Assembly to be conferred on His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.
“The position of Senate President represents the third position in hierarchy of our current democratic dispensation.
“This position carries considerable weight in discharging vital constitutional responsibilities and for charting the right course for our national development.
“It is also important that the holder of such a position enjoys the confidence and support of the party leadership and that of his peers as Senator Godswill Akpabio undoubtedly does.
“With this same spirit of fairness, we also affirm our solid support that the position of Deputy President of the 10th Senate be conceded to Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jubril, CON, representing Kano North Senatorial Zone, Kano State.
“It is our conviction that a diverse and united legislative leadership is critical to good governance.
“At a trying period in our nation’s political history, the National Assembly requires experienced and level headed leaders at the helm of its affairs.
“Gentlemen of the press, as you are all aware, the stakes are high and that a successful transition to a new political dispensation is key in ensuring national unity, cohesion and overall progress as one nation.
“In view of the above, we wish to respectfully appeal to all other aspirants to these key positions to kindly support our position by withdrawing their respective bids.
“We believe that their withdrawal and cooperation will reduce the acrimony that commonly characterises the jostle for power in the National Assembly amongst the geo-political zones
“This will go a long way in ensuring a peaceful and smooth take-off of the incoming administration”, the forum said in the communique read by its Convener, Bashir Lado.
While pointing out that they decided to make their position known given the recent developments will no doubt affect progress of Nigeria, the forum commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing exceptional leadership over a very challenging period of national journey.
“We also wish to congratulate and extend our best wishes to the incoming President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his excellent electoral campaign and well deserved victory.
“We believe that our President Elect H.E. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an inspirational leader with a clear vision. His Excellency has consistently demonstrated a high sense of responsibility, maturity, doggedness and empathy. These attributes are imperatives for effective leadership and good governance.
“We also acknowledge the articulate, focused and able Vice President-elect, H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha whose contributions, political weight and wise support contributed in no small measure to the success we are celebrating today.
“We must also recognise the tireless efforts of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, H.E. Senator Abdullahi Adamu, CON, as well as commitment of members of the NWC who demonstrated wisdom and fair play that successfully guided our party to this critical stage in our political development.
“The high level of integrity exhibited by our Party’s national chairman in the successful general elections cannot be overstated”, the group said.
