2023: Senators tasks Adamu on return tickets, APC’s victory
By Peter Usman://
Senators on Wednesday charged the newly elected National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, to lead the party to victory in forthcoming 2023 general elections and also help improve their turn over in the upper legislative chamber.
The lawmakers spoke at the valedictory/commendation session held in honour of Adamu, his deputy in-charge of the North, Senator Abubakar Kyari and the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Mohammed Hassan on the floor of the Senate.
In his contribution, Senator Ali Ndume noted that many lawmakers in the National Assembly are in danger to retain their seats and therefore urged the national chairman to use his good offices to protect those embattled and help others to return as lawmakers.
He said: “Now that we have people from here as leaders of the party, you have the responsibility to protect us.
“You know that the rate of turnover is very worrisome. It is not because the legislators are not performing, we need you the chairman to protect the institution and this institution is made up of individuals with wealth of experience. Nigerians are expecting alot from this institution.”
Speaking in the same vein, Senator James Manager (PDP Delta South), told Adamu that “the first test for you will be, protect those who are here, not me, because we are not in the same political party.”
“Everyone is in danger in one way or the other. Yesterday (Tuesday), this place was very scanty because everyone is in danger.
“So, I will urge you, particularly the national chairman of APC, as you go there, please protect those who are in danger. You know how it is done. Those of us on this side will be watching with keen interest. We know who you are, we know what you can do. Try your best for all of us,” Manager said.
The Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC Kebbi North), who opened the presentation, described the national chairman as at experienced and competent person for the job.
Also, the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South), urged the new national chairman of the APC to deepen democracy in the discharge of his duties.
On his own, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central), commended Senator Adamu for laying the foundation of Nasarawa State and strides in developing the education sector.
He noted that as the first chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Senator Adamu was able to ensure harmony among members irrespective of diverse political persuasion.
Aliero added that the new national chairman contributed to the growth of agriculture in the country as the chairman of the Farmer’s Association of Nigeria and chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
In his remarks, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, described the emergence of four members (serving and former) of the National Assembly as party executives of the APC was a remarkable development in the political evolution and history of Nigeria.
“That the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Secretary and National Auditor are all people who are either completing their service in the Senate or were here before.
“What this goes to show is that the legislature is coming of age, that the legislature is now contributing to the political development and stability of our country, and we shouldn’t take this for granted.
Responding, Senator Adamu, assured that the newly elected lawmakers in the APC would protect the integrity of the National Assembly within the confines of the party and its processes.