10th NASS: Drop your ambition to become hero, Natives warn Yari
Ahead of the June 13 inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, Nigeria’s tribal leaders under the aegis of The Natives have counselled Senator Abdulaziz Yari to shelves his Senate presidential ambition and become a national hero.
The former Zamfara Governor was advised to join hands and concede to Senator Godswill Akpabio as the next Senate President come June 13 when the National Assembly will be convened.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Supreme Leader of the Natives, Hon. Smart Edwards appealed to the debutant Senator-elect, to drop his ambition in order “to promote balance, encourage and ensure inclusion, national unity, love for country and create a harmony that would endear the parliament to the Nigerian people.
“We say no to Sen. Yari’s ambition and in the name of the country, we appeal to him in the name of our dear country to please shelve this ambition for all and become the hero.”
The group noted its call for Akpabio was in the national interest and religious harmony.
Arguing the country is a secular state, the group noted that the country cannot be President, Vice President and the occupant of the Senate Presidency can’t be of the same time, hence the call on Yari to be considerate. The pro-democracy and anti-sabotage groups urged stakeholders to respect the choice of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party on the need to balance the religious representation in government. The group also appealed to all the new and returning Senators to rally support for the emergence of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs as the next Senate President.
“Nigeria is a secular state and the Senator Godswill Akpabio/ Barau ticket represents the consideration of the mood of the country, 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 shown interest for the office of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We cannot toy with the expensive portrayal 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 candidate, we appreciate its efforts to assuage other regions and make sacrifices to see a pan-Nigerian, nationalistic, equitable and fair balance of the spirit 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 a financial war chest.”
Edwards said the 10th National Assembly must translate to jobs, infrastructure, economic prosperity, investment in education, rural development, rule of law and the upliftment of the people.
“Akpabio is a successful case of legendary service, he is evidence of infrastructural legacies, observations based on his political ideologies reveal a wealth of experience in governance /administration and his abilities and international exposure.
“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 of this country, from the minority tribe of Annang in Akwa Ibom, it is no other person than Senator Godswill Akpabio.” Nation
