The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has extended its congratulations to Senator Godswill Akpabio, the newly elected Senate President of the 10th National Assembly. However, the forum has urged him to prioritize inclusiveness when managing the affairs of the National Assembly.
In a statement released by Musa Saidu, a member of the ACF in Abuja, he expressed concern over the manner in which Akpabio ran the affairs of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in terms of inclusiveness when he was the minister. According to Saidu, it is crucial for Akpabio to remember that he has been elected as the Senate President of Nigeria and not just a particular region of the country.
Saidu, who is also the leader of the Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria, has cautioned against victimizing Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who contested the Senate Presidency with Akpabio. Despite losing the election, Yari was able to secure 46 votes, making him a force to reckon with in the political scene.
Furthermore, Saidu emphasized that the North deserves the position of Senate President due to the massive votes secured for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 General Election. However, as Akpabio has been elected the Senate President, the ACF has nothing else to say and will respect the will of God.
The call for inclusiveness in the management of the National Assembly comes as a response to the need for unity and cooperation in the political setting. It is hoped that this call will be taken seriously by Akpabio so that his leadership can offer a level playing ground for all political parties and regions in Nigeria.
NAN
