THE former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, has urged all senators-elect to ensure that religious or tribal sentiments do not influence their leadership choices in the 10th National Assembly.
Yari asked that the senators-elect choose leaders that would prioritise the country’s growth and promote infrastructural development in their constituencies.
In a congratulatory letter to his colleagues on Saturday, May 13, the senator-elect for Zamfara West said the division among Nigerians resulting from religious, tribal and ethnic sentiments was a narrative that must change for the country to move forward.
“This is the time to eschew religious, tribal, nepotic tendencies and ethnic sentiments in the choice of the president of the senate, which is first among equals. As I continue to consult on my aspiration to serve you as your president, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.
“While in the senate, you should always be reminded that you are indebted to your constituencies and should work towards attracting development projects to your people. This, in the first instance, is the reason you are elected to serve, and this is why you need a senate president that is compassionate, honest, fair-minded and result-driven,” he said.
He added that the senate must work with the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to implement the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to achieve economic growth and transformation in all sectors.
Yari urged the senators-elect to establish unity in the national assembly, saying this would create a better and united country.
“The voyage you are embarking on is a journey to unify Nigeria. This is an opportunity to rebuild this country in the interest of all,” he said.
Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated on June 13. Different interest groups nationwide are already lobbying for the seats of senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives.
Shortly after the inauguration, members of the Senate will elect new presiding officers.
Based on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) results, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retained the majority in the Senate and House of Representatives seats, with 57 and 162 members, respectively.
The APC National Working Committee recently released the party’s zoning arrangement.
In its zoning plans, the party endorsed Godswill Akpabio from the South-South geopolitical zone as senate president and Barau Jibrin, from the North-West as deputy senate president.
Also, in the House of Representatives, the party endorsed Tajudeen Abass from the North-West as speaker and Benjamin Kalu from the South-East as deputy speaker.
Beloved John is an investigative reporter with International Centre for Investigative Reporting.
You can reach her via: [email protected]