A northern political pressure group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA), has emphasised the need for healing, inclusivity and national cohesion in the upcoming election of of 10th National Assembly’s presiding officers on Tuesday.
The chairman of the group, Sen. Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi, made the call at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday.
As a prominent voice representing the northern region of Nigeria, ANA said it aims to promote social harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country.
The group expressed concerns about the current political landscape, where the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and a front-runner for the Senate President in the 10th Assembly are all Muslims.
The organization believed that such a situation lacks the necessary balance, inclusion, and cohesion that Nigeria’s diversity demands. To address this, ANA recommended the idea of electing a Southern Christian as the President of the 10th Senate, viewing it as a bold move that could unite the country across tribal and religious lines.
While acknowledging that several highly qualified contenders from different regions have expressed their interest in the National Assembly leadership positions, ANA urged the northerners, particularly Muslims among them to defer their ambitions.
The organization believed that such a sacrifice would promote a spirit of brotherhood, fraternal accommodation, and goodwill.
ANA highlighted the suitability of Senator Godswill Akpabio from the South-South geopolitical zone to head the 10th Senate.
The organization also called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reward Nigerians who entrusted the party with their mandate, despite the opposition to having two Muslims as President and Vice President.
The group stressed the importance of reducing acrimony and power struggles among the different geopolitical zones, in order to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Meanwhile, ANA has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in their mission to elevate Nigeria to new heights.
The organization emphasized the need for national reconciliation and urged all stakeholders involved in the leadership transition of the 10th National Assembly to unite and usher in a new era of progress for the country.
As Nigeria prepares for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, ANA believed this moment presents an opportunity to heal the nation and looked forward to the peace and tranquility that will follow this significant national activity.
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