The Natives, a pro-democracy and anti-sabotage group, has urged Abdulaziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State, to immediately renounce his bid for the Senate Presidency in the nation’s interest and religious unity in the land.
The Natives urged Yari to exercise consideration because Nigeria is a secular state and Muslims cannot serve as President, Vice President, and Senate President at the same time.
Twenty million people nationwide comprise the Natives, representing various ethnic groups, dialects, and tribes. The group pleaded with all parties to follow President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party’s decision to balance the representation of different religions in government.
The group’s Supreme Leader, Hon. Smart Edward, said during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja that a Christian like Senator Godshill Akpabio should be let to lead the 10th Senate out of equality and fairness.
Edwards tasked the new and re-elected senators with mobilising support for the former Akwa Ibom state governor.
“Nigeria is a secular state and the Senator Godswill Akpabio/Barau ticket represents the consideration of the mood of the country, evidence of healing rather than the braggadocios display of strength or the coronation of religious dominance, this ticket remains one of finest candidates to steer the leadership of the Senate in the tenth Assembly among all the Aspirants who have shown interest for the office of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We cannot toy with the expensive portrayal of acts that can widen the divide of the people post elections. While it is politically permissible, we persuade the 10th Assembly to dissociate themselves from any political, financial and insensitive approach or act that will promote a Muslim for the office of the Senate President for this is a display of national sabotage.
“While the ruling party may have presented these candidates, we appreciate its efforts to assuage other regions and make sacrifices to see a pan-Nigerian, nationalistic, equitable and fair balance of the spirit and letters of our constitution
“The plethora of disruptions and carryover of pre-election bitterness, resistance and echoes from the people clearly indicates that no group should be seen fanning the flags of discord in the name of a financial war chest.
“We say No to Sen. Yari’s ambition and in the name of the country, we appeal to him in the name of our dear country to please shelve this ambition for all and become the hero.”
According to Edwards, the 10th National Assembly must focus on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, fostering economic growth, investing in education, fostering rural development, upholding the rule of law, and improving the lot of the populace.
“Akpabio is a successful case of legendary service, he is evidence of infrastructural legacies, observations based on his political ideologies reveal a wealth of experience in governance /administration and his abilities and international exposure.
“He is a former governor of Akwa Ibom, former senate minority leader and one-time minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, a man with the tested ability to galvanise the executive and the legislature cooperation for the betterment of the country. An innovative leader who is one Nigeria can rely on for people-centred policies, inter-party collaboration, and capacity to interpret vision to physical realities and development.
“What an average Nigeria is looking, for now, is strong institutions, not strong individual, sustainable development in all facets of our nation, policies that uplift the poor and promote economic prosperity, builders of men and communities, indeed, we need somebody who has the pedigree and capacity to be a team player, a leader, partner and defender of the people who can actualise this for a united Nigeria, that person is here in the south-south of this country, from the minority tribe of Annang in Akwa Ibom, it is no other person than Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
The Natives, on the other hand, pledged to guarantee a complete socio-economic revival of the Nigerian state by holding the elected officials responsible to the people.
“Henceforth, we shall be ensuring that our parliament and legislators deliver the industrialization, independence, good governance and hope to Nigeria people,” he said.
