By Raphael Ekpang
The new chairman of the northern Senators forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua has pledged the forum support to the leadership of the Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio and also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the interest of the nation and northern states in particular.
Yar’Adua made this known on Thursday after he emerged the forum”s chairman, followed the resignation of the former chairman of the forum, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) was suspended by the Senate on Tuesday for three months for his false allegations of 2024 budget padding.
In a speech shorty after his emergence, Yar’Adua said the major objective of the forum is to promote the interest of Nigeria first, followed by development of the North through collaboration with southern senators.
He added that the forum will cooperate with the executive arm of government to ensure that the challenges of the region are attended to.
“We Shall therefore work in consultation with our distinguished colleagues to preserve the unity and progress of our dear nation.
“In advancing these noble objectives, I am committed to streamlined activities within the Northem Senators Forum. We shall operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity, upholding the trust placed on us by the electorate.
“Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterized by civility, dignity, and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfill our lawmaking, policy-making,and oversight functions.
“I am confident that with our collective efforts and cooperation, we can effect positive change, uplift the North, and contribute to the overall development of our great nation. Together, let us embark on this journey with unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to serving our constituents and our country”.
He however acknowledged and commended what he called decent outing and the contributions Senator Ningi made during his tenure.
“I am aware of the challenges facing the Northern region which Include: Security, agriculture, education, healthcare, drug abuse and human trafficking. Others are so numerous to mention” Yar’Adua said.
Core Reporters understand that, the change of leadership in the northern Senators forum was to erase completely the notion that northern Senators were bent in truncating the smooth running of Akpabio’s led Senate followed Ningi’s interview with BBC Hausa which he alleged N4 trillion budget padding.
