Forty-eight hours after the resignation of suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central) as Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central), emerged as the new Chairman.
Yar’Adua’s emergence as the new Chairman of the NSF was a sequel to unanimous endorsement to that effect by senators across the three geo-political zones in the North.
The Northern senators also appointed Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) as Publicity Secretary of the forum, a position held by Senator Summaila Kawu (NNPP Kano South) when Ningi was the Chairman.
It is unclear if Kawu resigned too or if he was removed following the crisis at the Red Chamber on Tuesday.
Addressing the press after his emergence as the new chairman of NSF, Yar ‘ Adua said the major objective of the Northern Forum was to promote the interest of Nigeria first, followed by the development of the North through collaboration with their counterparts from the South and cooperating with the executive arm of government to ensure that the challenges of the region are attended to.
Yar’Adua said, “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. “
He added, “Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterized by civility, dignity, and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfil 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.”
Earlier in his acceptance speech to his fellow Northern Senators for the honour done him, Senator Yar’Adua said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to communicate to you today my 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 human trafficking etc, which will be tackled with more vibrant legislation in collaboration with our southern counterparts .”
