By Naomi Sharang/Kingsley Okoye
Abuja
Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC-Katsina) has emerged Chairman, Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he emerged after a meeting of the group in Abuja on Thursday.
NAN also reports that Yar’Adua takes over from Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), who resigned from the position after his suspension by the Senate over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded.
This is as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos) emerged Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum (SSF).
Abiru took over from Senate leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), who had been the leader of the forum since the ninth Assembly.
Yar’Adua, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him.
“I express gratitude to my colleagues for the confidence reposed in me following the resignation of my distinguished elder brother, Sen. Abdul Ningi, whom I hold in high esteem.
“I wish to acknowledge and commend the decent outing and the contributions he made during his tenure,” he said.
Yar’adua, a younger brother to the late former President Umar Yar’adua, said that the major objective of the northern senators forum was to promote the interest of Nigeria first.
“This is followed by the development of the north through collaboration with our distinguished colleagues from the south and cooperating with the executive arm of government to ensure that the challenges of the region were attended to.
“We shall therefore work in consultation with our distinguished colleagues to preserve the unity and progress of our dear nation.” he added.
The chairman said that in advancing the noble objectives, he was committed to streamlining activities within the forum.
“We shall operate with transparency, accountability, integrity, upholding the trust placed on us by the electorate.
“Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterised by civility, dignity and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfill our lawmaking, policy-making and oversight functions.
“I am confident that with our collective efforts and cooperation, we can effect positive change, uplift the north and contribute to the overall development of our great nation.
“Together, let us embark on this journey with unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to serving our constituents and our country.
“May our actions be guided by wisdom, compassion and a shared vision for a better and brighter future for all Nigerians.”
Sen. Abiru emerges Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Abiru emerged after a meeting of South East, South West and South South senators in Abuja.
Speaking at a news conference after his emergence in Abuja on Wednesday, Abiru said the SSF would partner the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) to move the country forward.
“This forum, Southern Senators Forum, is to champion the course of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“We have our Northern brothers with the Northern Senators Forum. We will work together with the Northern Senators Forum to move the country forward,” Abiru said.
According to him, the SSF will roll out its plans for the betterment of the region and Nigeria.
“We will work out our plans, the last leadership has transferred power to us. We have been running the forum as if we don’t exist.
“The present leader of the Senate was the leader of the Southern Senators’ Forum. He was too engaged on other issues, but we now have new leadership which is headed by me,” Abiru said.
NAN reports that Sen. Victor Umeh (LP- Anambra), is the Vice Chairman of the forum, while Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP-Rivers South) is the Secretary of the forum.
The Public Relations Officer is Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River), while Sen. Kenneth Eze (APC – Ebonyi) is the treasurer of the forum.
