A pro-Democracy and Anti-sabotage group, The Natives is appealing to Senators in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to promote national unity and balance while electing the President of the Senate and the Deputy Senate President.
The Supreme Leader of The Natives, Mr. Smart Edwards made the appeal at a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
While noting the fact that the President and Vice President are Muslims, Mr. Edwards said it would be best for a Christian to head the Senate to ensure unity and balance.
“Consequently, as the 10th National Assembly convenes, we call on all distinguished senators across party lines to key into the wisdom of the president to promote balance, encourage and ensure inclusion, national unity, love for country, to create harmony that would endear the parliament to the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria is a secular state and the Senator Godswill Akpabio/ Barau Ticket represents the consideration of the mood of the country. We cannot toy with the expensive portray of acts that can widen the divide of the people post elections.
“While the ruling party may have presented these 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” Edwards said.
You may recall that the APC party which has the majority seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly nominated four individuals to be supported by their members in the legislature to emerge as the principal officers when the 10th National Assembly is inaugurated on June 13.
The APC Nomination as follows;
1. Senate President – South South – Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)
2. Deputy Senate President – North West – Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano)
3. Speaker, House of Representatives – North West – Hon. Abass Tajudeen (Kaduna)
4. Deputy Speaker – South East – Hon. Ben Kalu (Abia)
The Supreme Leader of the Natives commended the ruling party’s decision to nominate individuals from certain zones to be elected as the principal officers in the National Assembly, stating that the zoning arrangement would promote inclusiveness and unity.
The Natives also declared their support for the Akpabio- Barau Ticket explaining that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godwill Akpabio performed creditably well as governor and minister.
“Leadership in the 10th National Assembly must translate to Jobs, Infrastructure , Economic Prosperity, Educational Invested, rural development, rule of law and the upliftment of a people, a character and testament which Sen AKPABIO possess in full dose.
“Akpabio is a successful case of legendary 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,” Smart said.
Mr. Smart also stressed the need for a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Confidence Okwuchi
