Senator representing Kano North Senatorial district, Jibrin Barau has said each time there was an opportunity for election of Senate President in parliamentary settings, competence remains the most potent yardstick.
This, he said shouldn’t be regulated by sentiments as the 10th Nigerian Senate inches towards election of its principal officers.
Barau, a ranking Senator, indicated his interest to contest for the Office of the Senate President and said, he is the most qualified among the returnee Senators and first timers.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring his interest to contest for the Office of the Senate President, the lawmaker urged his colleague to consider his competence rather than anything else.
“Do you now relegate competence for other sentiments?
“It doesn’t work on sentiments; it works on your ability to do the job. It is the tradition all over the world. It is there in our rules and this rule is a product of our constitution.
“It is clearly in our Standing Rules too that aspiration or election for the Office of the Senate President shall be in accordance with ranking.
“And among those who are seeking to occupy that office as we speak, I am the highest ranking Senator. I’m the most experienced,” he claimed.
Barau explained that the person to be elected Senate President must be grounded in the parliamentary rules and procedures so as not to cause chaos during complex debates.
He promised to ensure that the interest of the nation is protected as Senate President.
