…Urges Senators to rally support for Akpabio
A pro-democracy and anti-sabotage group, known as the Natives has asked former governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari to immediately withdraw his Senate Presidency ambition in the national interest and the country’s religious harmony.
The Natives said Nigeria is a secular state, therefore Muslim cannot be President, Vice President and the Senate President atthe same time, hence the call on Yari to be considerate.
The Natives, a group consist of various ethnic, languages and tribes, with about twenty million members nationwide, urged stakeholders to respect the choice of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party on the need to balance the religious representation in government.
Addressing a press conference Thursday in Abuja, Supreme Leader of the group, Hon. Smart Edward, said for equity and fairness, a Christian like Senator Godshill Akpabio should be allow to lead the 10th Senate.
Edwards asked all the new and the returning Senators to rally support for the emergence of the former governor of Akwa Ibom state.
“Nigeria is a secular state and the Senator Godswill Akpabio/ Barau ticket represents the consideration of the mood of the country, an evidence of healing rather than the braggadocios display of strength or the coronation of religious dominance, this ticket remains one of finest candidates to steer the leadership of the Senate in the tenth Assembly among all the Aspirants who have showed interest for the office of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We cannot toy with the expensive portray of acts that can widen the divide of the people post elections, while it is politically permissible, we persuade the 10th Assembly to dissociate themselves from any political, financial and insensitive approach or act that will promote a Muslim for the office of the Senate President for this is a display of national sabotage.
“While the ruling party may have presented this candidates, we appreciate its efforts to assuage other regions and make sacrifices to see a pan Nigerian, nationalistic, equitable and fair balance of the sprit and letters of our constitution
“The plethora of disruptions and carryover of pre-election bitterness, resistance and echoes from the people is a clear indication that no group whatsoever should be seen fanning the flags of discord in the name of financial war chest.
“We say No to Sen. Yari’s ambition and in the name of country, we appeal to him in the name of our dear country to please shelve this ambition for all and become the hero.”
Edwards said the 10th National Assembly must translate to jobs, infrastructure, economic prosperity, investment in educational, rural development, rule of law and the upliftment of the people.
“Akpabio is a successful case of lengendary service, he is an evidence of infrastructural legacies, observations based on his political ideologies reveals a wealth of experience in governance /administration and his abilities and international exposure.
“He is a former governor of Akwa Ibom, former senate minority leader and one time minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs , a man with the tested ability to galvanise the executive and the legislature cooperation for the betterment of the country. An innovative leader who is one Nigeria can rely on for people centered policies, inter-party collaboration, capacity to interpret vision to physical realities and development.
“What an average Nigeria is looking for now is strong institutions not strong individual, sustainable development in all facets of our nation, policies that uplift the poor and promotes economic prosperity, builder of men and communities, indeed we need somebody who has the pedigree and capacity to be a team player, a leader, partner and defender of the people who can actualize this for a united Nigeria, that person is here in the south south of this country, from the minority tribe of Annang in Akwa Ibom, it is no other person than Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
The Natives, however, promised to ensure a total socio-economic rejuvenation of the Nigerian state by making the elected leaders accountable to the people.
“Henceforth, we shall be ensuring that our parliament and legislators deliver the industrialization, independence, good governance and hope to Nigeria people,” he said.
