Group lobbies for South-South geopolitical zone to produce next Senate President

Citizens Network For Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN), a civil society group, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC), to zone Senate Presidency to the South-South geo-political zone.

Making the call in Abuja on Tuesday, its National Secretary, Mr Francis Wainwei, told a news conference that the zone was better positioned to produce the next Senate President.

He said it was important and fair for the National Working Committee (NWC) and various organs of APC to consider the region for the post.

According to him, aside the fact that the zone has a ranking senator in the person of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, it has not produced a Senate president since Nigeria returned to democracy in

1999.

Wainwei also said that zoning the president of the senate of the 10th Assembly to the region would foster true sense of belonging.

“Considering the South-South zone will make for peaceful and smooth take-off of the new dispensation under the presidentelect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

“The call is also strengthened by the fact that the APC got more than 25 per cent votes in each of the six South-South states.

“This feat was achieved in spite of the fact that the region has been known as the stronghold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before now,’’ he said.

Wainwei added that the South-South contributed greatly in ensuring that the APC won the 2023 presidential election.

On Apkapbio’s credentials, he said: “Godswill Akpabio is the right senator-elect.

“He has the competence, national acceptability and political experience to effectively pilot the affairs of the senate.

“As a former governor and minority leader in the Senate, representing the PDP, becoming President of the Senate as an APC member makes Akpabio a formidable bridge between the Executive and the Legislature.

“We call on all patriotic senators-elect to support and vote massively for Akpabio.

“We also call on all patriotic Nigerians who want the `Nigeria of our Dreams’ to prevail on the APC to zone the position of Senate President to the South-South geopolitical zone,’’ Wainwei stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that based on Senate Standing Rules, only ranking senators are eligible to contest for the position of President and Deputy President of the Senate.

Wainwei said also that the in-coming government should distribute available political positions equitably among the six geopolitical zones to enhance national unity.

“As patriotic citizens, our primary interest is the unity and prosperity of the nation; hence, this is a clarion call to the ruling party to do the needful.

“The party and incoming government should promote government of national inclusion, equity and fairness to all geopolitical zones,’’ Wainwei said. (NAN)

Niger Gov. condoles

Sen. Kalu over mother’s death

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello who is also an elected senator representing Niger North has sympathized with the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, over the loss of his wife Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu.

Governor Sani Bello in a statement enjoined Sen. Kalu to remain steadfast in God in this trying moment.

According to him, “I know this is a difficult time for you and other family members, but I want you to know that God who has allowed this to happen, is capable of comforting you.

“She lived a good life, and I want you to be console with that.”

Gov Bello fecorates his CSO with CSP rank

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has decorated the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, Minna, Isa Murtala Raji with his new rank, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

The decoration ceremony was performed by Governor Sani Bello and assisted by the Commissioner of Police Mr.Joshua Ogundele Ayodeji shortly before the commencement of the weekly executive council meeting.

The Governor congratulated him on his promotion and enjoined him to be more dedicated in the discharge of his duties.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Murtala Raji said he was happy with his new promotion and promised to give his best.