National Assembly Complex
A group under the aegis of The Natives called on Wednesday for aspirants vying for Senate presidency and speakership in the 10th National Assembly to allow the ruling party to decide the zoning of various offices. The appeal comes amid random lobbying of lawmakers seeking support ahead of their inauguration.
The National Vice Chairman of the APC (North‑West), Malam Salihu Lukman, had on Monday urged northern senators contesting the post to step down for the sake of fairness and equity. Party leaders from the South‑South and South‑East have called for the Senate presidency to be zoned to their regions, seeking a sense of belonging in light of the Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the party.
At least eight senators have expressed interest in the race, including Jibrin Barau (Kano Central), Sani Musa (Niger East), Orji Kalu (Abia North) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa‑Ibom North‑West). Others are Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Peter Ndubueze (Imo North), Abdul’Aziz Yari (Zamfara West) and Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), among others.
Addressing journalists during a peaceful rally in Abuja on Wednesday, Convener of The Natives, Smart Edward, emphasized that the tradition of legislative competence, hard work and contributions to victory must be valued. He argued that the process could proceed smoothly without causing a rift only if the APC leadership decides which region will zone the principal offices.
Edward said, “The Natives comprise all tribes, tongues, beliefs and religions in Nigeria. The party that won the election produced a Muslim‑Muslim ticket on the basis of competence. This tradition must be sustained. We believe Christians are part of Nigeria, Muslims are part of Nigeria, but we will not promote disunity because we are one tribe, one nation under God. Therefore, zoning belongs to the party; they can choose whomever they want.
However, as The Natives, we note that the constitution recognises a balance, and within that balance Christians can also be Senate President, giving them influence in their own country. The parliament has many offices—Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker and other principal positions—so fairness must prevail.”
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