A former governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari, has called on elected senators to ignore religious and ethnic sentiments when choosing the president of the Senate.
Mr. Yari is one of the candidates vying for the post, but the All Progressives Congress (APC) had nominated former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio for the post and Senator representing the Northern District of Kano, Barau Jibirin, as Vice President of the Senate. .
Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima said on Friday that the two were nominated after considering the need to show a religious balance in the country’s political leadership.
President-elect Bola Tinubu and Mr. Shettima are Muslims and their party was severely criticized for running for the same faith in a country with many religious beliefs.
Mr. Yari is a Muslim from northwestern Nigeria. However, in a congratulatory message to senators-elect on Saturday, he insisted that he will not withdraw from the race despite his party announcing its candidate preference.
Yari said the 10th Senate needs a “compassionate, honest and impartial” Senate president and not one who will be chosen based on sentiments of “religion and ethnicity.”
“This, in the first place, is why you are elected to serve, and that is why you need a Senate president who is compassionate, honest, impartial and results-oriented,” he said.
“This is the time to avoid religious, tribal, nepotic leanings and ethnic sentiments in the choice of the Senate president, who is the first among equals,” he added.
“While I continue to consult on my aspiration to serve you as your President of the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”
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He also encouraged the senators-elect to devise policies that promote unity and peaceful coexistence in the country when they finally take possession of the X Assembly.
“The division among Nigerians resulting from religious, tribal and ethnic sentiments is a narrative that we must all work together to change to move the country forward. Everyone must think of ways to work to build a better and united country so that it is safe for all.”
Mr. Yari advised senators-elect to make sure they facilitate developments for their constituents while they are in the Senate.
“I congratulate you all on your well-deserved victory at the polls. It is a testament to your popularity among your people and the confidence they have in you to deliver democratic dividends for them,” Yari said.
“Therefore, you must not disappoint them in any way because your actions, inactions, omissions and commissions may affect them directly or indirectly,” he noted.
“While in the Senate, he should always be reminded that he is indebted to his constituents and must work to bring development projects to his people.”
In addition to the religious factor weighing against his run for the Senate presidency, the former head of Nigeria’s Forum of Governors is one of three candidates for the post facing investigations or trials for alleged corruption.