Connect with us

News

Senate Presidency: APC, Northern Senators Clash

Published

on

The  All Progressives Congress has opposed northern senators vying for the senate presidency.

It insisted that any northerner angling for the leadership of the senate had no respect for the party’s constitution.

The National Vice Chairman of the APC (North-West), Malam Salihu Lukman and the party’s Director of Publicity, on  Monday,  Bala Ibrahim,   said for fairness, northern senators contesting the post should step down.

Party chieftains in the South-South and South-East had called for the zoning of the senate presidency to their regions in the spirit of fairness and to give other geo-political regions a sense of belonging in view of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the party.

So far, no fewer than eight senators had indicated an interest in the race. They include Senators Jibrin Barau (Kano Central), Sani Musa (Niger East), Orji Kalu (Abia North), and GodsWill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom North-West ).

Others are Senators Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Peter Ndubuze (Imo North), Abdul’Aziz Yari (Zamfara West), and Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), amongst others.

But  Lukman called on Yari, Barau and other northern senators to step down from the race for the office of Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

Lukman noted that it was compelling for the ruling party to zone the prestigious office to either the South-South or South-East for national unity.

The APC chieftain made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja titled ‘Cash-and-Carry contest for leadership of 10th National Assembly.’

He said, “It is therefore very compelling that the Senate President should come from either the South-South or South-East. I want to specifically note that two respected Senators-elect from North-West have made public declarations about their aspirations for the position of Senate President. These are His Excellency Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Barau Jibrin.

“Now that power has shifted to the Southern part of the country, as a region, we equally have the responsibility to regulate the conduct of all our Senators-elect from the North-West, including the two Senators-elect Abdulaziz Yari and Barau Jibrin to withdraw their aspiration for the Senate President.

“All party leaders from North-West must prevail on these leaders to in the overall interest of the unity and peaceful coexistence of the country withdraw their aspirations to contest the position of Senate President for the 10th Senate. At the most, they should aspire for the position of Majority Leader of the Senate in line with the 1999 zoning formula in the Senate.”

Lukman, a member of the APC National Working Committee,  reiterated that no North-West or North-East candidate should be considered for the position.

While describing the lobbying by the lawmakers and NWC members as worrisome, he warned against the imposition of another Muslim leader as the Senate president following the outrage that greeted the emergence of the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his deputy-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, who share the same faith.

He noted, “Apart from the clear disregard for national unity and outright disrespect for Nigerians, especially the persons of Tinubu and Shettima, being the President-elect and Vice-President-elect respectively, some of the aspiring candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives are neither concerned about the security and well-being of Nigeria nor are they in any way disturbed about factors that could erode the electoral viability of our party – APC.

Aspiring candidates

“These are aspiring candidates for these positions, two of them Muslims from North-West aspiring for the position of Senate President and one of them from North-East aspiring for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, who are desperately mobilising support.

“Certainly, these aspirants know that there is a very high probability that once the party is allowed to finalise the processes of zoning positions of leadership, the probability is high that these positions would be zoned to other sections of the country outside theirs.

“’It should be very clear that any person whose aspiration for the position of Senate President, the number three highest ranking position in the Federal Government, who is a Muslim will not mean well for Nigeria and will be working to undermine the electoral viability of APC as a political party.”

“Any Muslim aspiring for the position of Senate President has no respect for both the constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the APC. ’This is because chapter II, section 14(3) of the Nigerian constitution clearly outlined that ‘the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

‘’With two Muslims already elected to be sworn in as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic on May 29, any attempt to consider another Muslim as Senate President will promote the dominance of Muslims in the Federal Government and will be injurious to national unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria as a sovereign entity, which must not be allowed.”

On his part,  the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described Lukman’s call for the withdrawal of North-West aspirants from the race as ‘ethical.’

“Fairness demands that these aspirants step down. It will seek to give a semblance of inclusiveness and give everyone a sense of belonging. But the ultimate decision rests with the party which will not do anything injurious to its interest,” he stated.

Asked if the APC had taken a position on the zoning of the senate president and speaker, the APC image maker disclosed that no formal position had been taken on it.

He said, “We haven’t come to that yet (zoning) but it has been discussed. I think people want the atmosphere to be cool following the stress and tensions generated by the elections. But consultations are ongoing, it doesn’t have to be formal, where everybody will meet and decisions taken.

“The Saraki-Dogara lesson has been learnt and I don’t think the 10th Assembly will happen that way. The party will not lose focus. I think they want to see the outcome of the supplementary elections. That will give an impetus to the direction where things will go. My intuition is telling me, probably, the 1999 arrangement is probably what will hold.”

On whether the president-elect would have a say in who emerges as NASS leaders, Ibrahim stated that it was incontestable.

“That is an understatement. It is only the president (Buhari) that says he belongs to nobody. But this one (Tinubu) belongs to everybody. He will certainly have a say because the function of the executives is dependent on the relationship with the legislature.

The Punch

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Tinubu Approves Inter-Ministerial Committee for Buhari’s Burial

Published

on

By

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate a befitting state burial for former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, at 82, following a prolonged illness.

Announcing the decision in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the committee would work in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late president to ensure a dignified programme of events.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Other members include the ministers of finance and the economy, budget and economic planning, defence, information and national orientation, and works.

It also includes the ministers of interior, Federal Capital Territory, housing and urban development, the state for health and social welfare, art, culture, and the creative economy.

The committee also includes the national security adviser, special adviser to the President on policy and coordination, senior special assistant to the President on political and other matters, the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the secretariat to the committee.

As part of the national mourning, President Tinubu has also directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers for members of the public to pay their respects.

Additional condolence registers will be opened at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Buhari’s body is expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.

A military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which President Tinubu will personally receive the remains.

The body will then be transported to Daura for the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment at his residence at 2 pm, in line with Islamic rites.

Continue Reading

News

Buhari’s Burial: FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday

Published

on

By

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the holiday is furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement said the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Tinubu.

The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.

The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

At a press briefing, the Katsina governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.

He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2pm on the same day.

Continue Reading

News

Obasanjo, Babangida Express Deep Sorrow over Buhari’s Death

Published

on

By

Former Nigerian leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), have expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London.

In separate condolence statements, the elder statesmen paid glowing tributes to the late Nigerian leader, describing him as a patriot who served the country with distinction as a soldier, administrator, and statesman.

Obasanjo, through a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, noted that Buhari played his role dutifully throughout his life and gave his best to the country.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said.

“As a soldier, he played his role; as an administrator, he played his role; as a statesman, he played his role.”

He added that Buhari’s death comes at a critical time when Nigeria needed the wisdom and experience of leaders who have previously steered the country through difficult times.

“He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo added.

Babangida described Buhari as a brother, course mate, and fellow patriot whose life was defined by discipline, humility, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.

In a personal tribute, Babangida recalled their shared history that began in 1962 at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, noting that Buhari stood out early as a principled and deeply patriotic officer.

“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection,” IBB said.

“Our bond was forged not only by military training but by a shared commitment to service and love for country.”

He acknowledged that while they may have held differing views at times, Buhari’s sincerity and patriotism were never in doubt.

“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State or two-term civilian President—it is the loss of a symbol. He embodied the transition from the old guard to the new republic,” Babangida stated.

He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late leader and extended condolences to his wife, Aisha Buhari, their children and grandchildren, as well as the entire nation.

“May his legacy endure, and may Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

Trending