10th Senate: Nigeria Will Be First Before Party, Says Yari

Contestant for the office of the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly, Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yari, has declared that if he emerged victorious on June 13, Nigeria will be his first priority rather than political party.

According to Yari, himself and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have come a long way, adding that he will ensure that he support Tinubu administration for a better Nigeria while protecting the independence of the legislative arm of government.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Yari, who is elected to represent Zamfara West senatorial district of Zamfara State, also disclosed that in the 10th Senate, which he aspires to lead, his colleagues will be his bosses.

“In all our activities, the Senate under my leadership, by the leave of my bosses and the grace of the Almighty God, shall be completely democratic, open and serve only the interest of Nigerians.

“We assure Nigerians that the Senate, under my leadership, will be firm, transparent, purposeful and ensure a cordial working relationship with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Executive to deliver his vision for a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.

“It is important to state, with the permission of my bosses, that I possesses the requisite experience, competence, capacity and the national acceptance to lead the Senate at this point in time.

“As you all know, I have over the years built strong connections among the various peoples of Nigeria across the 36 states and the FCT and I understand the nuances of our nation.

“We will build on such ties, connections and experience to heal our nation, foster strong synergies and unity in our country.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly which we seek to lead will be stable, proactive, listen to and pursue the genuine aspiration and yearnings of Nigerians,” Yari stated.

According to the former Zamfara State governor, “It is for these reasons that I put myself forward with the support of the majority of my colleagues and bosses to lead the 10th Senate.

“The 10th Senate under my leadership shall by the Grace of God and leave of my colleagues and bosses be the Senate of all Nigerians and Senate for all Nigerians. The voice and aspiration of Nigerians shall always prevail.

“As fellow stakeholders, in this democratic project, I seek your support as always in this noble mission whose primary objective is the stability, unity, economic development and wellbeing of Nigerians,” Yari added.

Meanwhile, speaking on the Yari Project, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), said that their camp has 67 Senators supporting Yari for the next Senate Presidency, adding that as someone who has been part of electing leaders in the National Assembly since 1999, he insisted that Yari will emerge as the next Senate President.

“I’ve participated in the process of electing leaders in the National Assembly since 1999 and as experienced as we are, we know the game. Lawmakers always reject imposition of leadership on them. We have 67 Senators as of yesterday that are supporting Yari.

“At any time there is imposition, the members of the National Assembly always take their stand. The PDP where I belong made such a mistake before and the APC shouldn’t have moved towards that line.

“We are backing Yari because we know the game and the temperament of the lawmakers. No single individual knows it all. You need experienced people like us. Also, the independence of the parliament is paramount.

“If they impose a leader, the Senators can remove him or her,” Ningi said.

On the issue of money politics being part of the present polity, Ningi asked who were the actors.

“Who are the people sending the money? In Nigeria, money politics is involved but it is not the most critical. For our candidate, it is not about money,” Ningi said while adding that Senators Sani Musa, Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso and Senator-elect Yari were still discussing their alliance.

“Musa, Kalu, Izunaso, Yari discussions are still ongoing. In the politics of the National Assembly, everything is possible,” Ningi added.

Also speaking, the Senator-elect for Bauchi North, Samaila Kaila, said their support was for Yari.

“We are supporting Yari to win but anyone that emerges, we will support the Tinubu administration; he will not work against democracy and against democratic process,” he stated.