Barrister Sani Mohammed Takori, a former House of Representatives member, has condemned the utterances of Vice President Kashim Shettima regarding the contest for the Senate presidency in the 10th National Assembly. Shettima stated that, in the current dispensation, “the worst and incompetent Southern Christian was better than the Northern Muslim in the senate presidency.”
Takori described the statement as a direct attack on the North and in particular, the North West’s Senator-elect, former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari. He quickly urged the Vice President to retract his words and ask for forgiveness from northerners.
The former lawmaker implored the President of the National Assembly, Bola Tinubu, to disregard such sentiments as a true democrat and allow a free and fair contest in the chamber. He reminded Tinubu of his efforts in the struggle for the survival of the current democratic dispensation.
Takori emphasized that any attempt to deny Yari from contesting for the Senate Presidency would be a clear denial of the entire northern people’s rights. He called on senators-elect to reject any act of imposition and elect leadership of their choice for the parliament’s independence.
“As Senators-elect, don’t allow a stooge to lead the Senate if at all you want true democratic development to strive in the country,” he added.
In conclusion, this statement demonstrates the growing tension and interests surrounding the election of the National Assembly leadership in Nigeria. It highlights the need for transparency and fairness in selecting leadership while promoting democratic values.