10th Assembly; Farmer groups, Commodity Associations Backs Akpabio, Abbas Leadership

The call was made at a joint media briefing in Abuja in Nigeria’s capital.

The President of Young Farmers Network Abubakar Bamai while delivering a joint message from the group said the endorsement of both candidates was born out of the need to ensure the right persons are in charge of the legislature.

“We gather here to announce and endorse the candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Our endorsement reflects a careful consideration of their qualifications, commitment, and vision for the betterment of our nation”

Bamai said the leadership of Akpabio and Abbas would be vital in addressing the issues confronting the country, particularly in the areas of agriculture and securities adding that under their guidance, the Senate and the House of Representatives would function efficiently with transparency and accountability as its watch word for the betterment of all Nigerians.

He said “We urge all members of the respective chambers to recognize the immense capabilities of [Godwin Akpabio and Abbas Tujjadeen] and to support their candidacies. By doing so, we can build a strong and united legislature that will serve as the backbone of our democratic system, fostering legislative initiatives that benefit the people and promote the common good”

For the representatives of women farmers Ambassador Aisha Lawal, the support for Akpabio and Abbas would go a long way in bridging the gap between farmers and the legislators as the legislators are the ones to fast track bills relating to agriculture.

Ambassador Lawal said Abbas had recorded huge successes in the areas of agriculture in his constituency as a member of the house of representative, a feat she believes he would replicate when he becomes the speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Abbas Tajudeen has programmes on agriculture for his people; I believe if he could do that just as a member, he would do much more for farmers across the country”

She added the leadership of Akpabio and Abbas would support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and that would in turn benefit not just women and youth farmers but the country at large.

The National President of Livestock Farmers, Mr. Illyasu Bulama spoke on the need for farmers to establish a relationship with the legislative Arm of Government as they are the ones in charge of passing bills that affect farmers and the country at large.

He noted that farmers deal more closely with the executives but that it was time for farmers to have dealings directly with the legislators.

Bulama said supporting the leadership of Akpabio and Abbas means that they would pay more attention to farmers when the need arises.

Also present to lend their support were the Presidents of various Commodity Associations.