A Socio-political group, Movement for Democratic Development, MDD has described as fair and equitable the call for the emergence of Sen. Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President and Jibrin Barau as Deputy of the 10th Senate, saying, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians will have no cause to regret their leadership.
The National Coordinator, MDD, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, (Radical Brother), who spoke to our correspondent from USA, on Saturday said the duo, Akpabio/Jibrin if elected as presiding officers of the 10th Senate will usher in a thriving Nigeria through people oriented legislations.
His said: “the All Progressives Congress, APC hierarchy has a lots of roles to play in order to achieve a rancour free legislative Chambers by the time this present 9th Senate is proscribed. We as a group after thorough review and consideration of all the candidates into these positions, endorse and recommend Sen. Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President and Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Senate President respectively”.
Hon Radical maintained that the group decision was based on consideration of federal character in the zoning of the 10th senate leadership bearing in mind, competence and credibility with an understanding that the country is a circular state with multi-faith.
He added that the development if adhere into will put to rest the yearnings for experience and credible party men to handle the affairs of the 10th National Assembly without fear, unpatriotic and sabotage.
“Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio has what it takes to lead the Nigerian Senate, having served in the capacity of Minority Leader during the 8th Assembly. He is familiar with the terrain and his exposure as a former governor and minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stand him tall among other candidates. He is well groomed in all sectors of leadership.
“It is also germane to note that, the South-South contributed the second highest votes after South-West which houses the President-elect.
“The North-West gave the party the highest votes in the North with Kano state consistently giving APC the highest vote per state in every election since the formation of the party.” Radical observed.
The former Member Ibadan North Constituency 2 in the Oyo State House of Assembly and former Leader, National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, added that the submission of the group is based on Akpabio/Jibrin’s legislatives experiences, prudent financial management, fair disposition towards national peace and unity, competence, reward for hard work, electoral value and diplomatic relations.
“The Akpabio that we know, is a man that is highly reliable and a man of passion for excellence. His performance as the governor of Akwa Ibom State for 8 years is unequal till this present time. We are confident that his choice as Senate President will help Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to propel development agenda and lead the country to a desirable level.
“Senators Godswill Akpabio is the most ranking senator from the South-South under the platform of the APC while Barau Jibrin is also the most ranking senator from the North West. Barau has displayed total loyalty and support to the party over the years. He’s a fine gentleman and refined politician of repute. Barau’s choice is also unprecedented, the Barau that we know for over 35 years believe so much in the emerging generation. He is simple, humble, intelligent and approachable.
“He will never betray the APC as a party and the Tinubu’s administration stand a chance to tap from his amiable ideas. Barau is our man, any day any time.” Hon Radical said.
He noted that the APC constitution and its manifesto lay more emphasis on competence and not religion bias, ethnicity, and tribal dichotomy, stating, categorically that, for the executive arm of government to perform maximally, it must be in tandem with the legislature to ensure dividends of democracy to the electorates.
Olaleye continued, “We need a pan-Nigerian who has been tested and trusted, proven worthy of integrity, character and prudent management.
“The President-elect is from the South-West and the Vice President-elect is from the North-East, as such, the Senate President should be zoned to the South-South and the Deputy Senate President to the North West.
Hon. Radical congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC and Nigerians at large for coming our strongly to recognise these personalities to preside over the 10th National Assembly law, while urged all the Senators-elect to channel their support and votes at ensuring that Senators Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau are duly elected Presiding Officers of the 10th Senate for the good of the masses and rancour free administration that will guarantee a Nigeria of our dream.
