10th Senate Presidency: Yari Promises Good Governance, if Elected 

Yari said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, promising to be a senate president for all Nigerians, if given the mandate.

“In all our activities in the Senate, under my leadership, by the grace of the Almighty Allah, I shall be completely democratic, open and serve only the interest of Nigerians,” he promised.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, assured Nigerians of a firm, transparent and purposeful National Assembly ready to partner with the executive to deliver a secured, united and prosperous Nigeria.

“It is important to state with the permission of my bosses, that I possess the requisite experience, competence, capacity and the national acceptance to lead the Senate at this point in time.

“As you all know, I have over the years built strong connections among the various peoples of Nigeria across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and I understand the nuances of our nation.

“We will build on such ties, connections and experience to heal our nation, foster strong synergies and unity in our country.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly, which we seek to lead, will be stable, proactive, listen to and pursue the genuine aspirations and yearnings of Nigerians.

“It is for these reasons that I put myself forward with the support of majority of my colleagues and bosses to lead the 10th Senate.

“As fellow stakeholders in this democratic project, I seek your support as always in this noble mission, which primary objectives are stability, unity, economic development and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” he further added.

Also Speaking, Senator Abdul Ningi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bauchi State Chapter, said that 67 senators were in support of Yari’s aspiration:

“I did a political calculation: 2003; 2007; 2011 and 2015 consecutively. Our latest count as of last night (Tuesday) was 67 and more are coming by the grace of God.

“I am optimistic that Yari would lead the Senate to the promised land.

“That is why we are following him. We know the game. We know the temperament there. There is no one single individual that knows it all either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.

“So he needs experienced hands like us to be able to guide him to achieve what is required.

“If we make a mistake in choosing our leaders, we can at any given time remove him.”

He urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow senators to choose their leaders freely.

“Just as the nation chooses you as a president and party chairman, allow the senators choose their own leader.

“Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger); Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu; and Senator-elect Osita Izunaso are still in talks of alliance.

“Musa, Kalu, Izunaso and Yari are in one camp. Discussions are still ongoing. In the politics of the National Assembly everything is possible,” he said.

On his part, Senator Samaila Kaila (APC-Bauchi), said he was in support of Yari’s aspiration:

“We are supporting Yari to win but anyone that emerges, we will support the Tinubu’s administration; he will not work against democracy and against democratic process.”