Following the resignation of Senator Abdul Ningi as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the group, on Thursday, named Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina Central) as his replacement.
The Forum also named Senator Muhammed Tahir Munguno (Borno North) as its new spokesperson to replace Senator Sumaila Kawu the former Spokesperson.
The announcement was made at plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Yar’adua in his acceptance speech said he was deeply honoured and humbled to communicate to his colleagues in the forum his acceptance as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my distinguished colleagues for this vote of confidence in me following the resignation of my distinguished elder brother Senator Abdul Ningi whom I hold in high esteem.
“I wish to acknowledge and commend the decent outing and the contributions he 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.
“The major objective of the Northern Forum is to promote the interest of Nigeria first followed by development of the North through collaboration with our distinguished colleagues from the South and cooperating 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 Northern 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 characterised 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.
“May our actions be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for a better and brighter future”
In other news, senators and members of the House of Representatives would return to their main chambers next month according to the contractors handling the project, Messrs Visible Construction Nigeria Limited.
The Project Engineer, Tajudeen Olanipekun, said the finishing stages of work were speedily being carried out with required expertise and precision for practical transformation of the entire ambience of the space in and around the Hallowed Chambers towards project delivery next month .
Olanipekun’s assurance on delivery of the fully transformed and reconfigured Hallowed Chambers to management of the National Assembly, coincided with call by Akpabio, to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal, that the lawmakers wanted to move to their main chambers as soon as possible .
Akpabio’s subtle marching order to the CNA on delivery of the main Hallowed Chambers to both the Senate and the House of Representatives was given on Tuesday last week, during his interactive session with journalists, attended by the CNA and other top management staff of the National Assembly.
“Please impress it on contractor handling the project to be more speedily on renovation works at both Chambers as the temporary chambers being used since 2022, are not befitting for hosting of visitors from outside the country, “he said.
Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade and Segun Awofadeji
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