…say ex-Gov fit to be Senate President
The Concerned Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria (CNCFN) has endorsed Abdulaziz Yari for the position of Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.
The Christian group made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.
In a statement signed by its convener Adams King and six others, the forum said its position is hinged on the Senator’s track record in leadership and contribution to sustaining peace and tranquillity in Northern Nigeria and, by extension, the country at large.
Describing the former Zamfara State Governor as a nationalist, the statement noted that as a former governor and ex-chairman of the Governors Forum, he displayed administrative competence and commitment to the country’s socioeconomic development.
“It must be stated that given the particularities of time, the need to have leaders with experience and the capacity to hit the ground running should be emphasized. This much has been the trademark of Senator Yari, hence our endorsement of his aspiration, which represents the country’s best interest in this critical time of our existence,” the statement said.
“The Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria sees in Senator Yari a nationalist who has always put the country’s interest at heart in all his endeavors. This has undoubtedly earned him tremendous respect across the country and an attribute he will put to good use if elected as Senate President.
“We must admit that what the country needs at this point is leaders with capacity regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations. Nigeria needs leaders that understand the dynamic nature of the country, which can only be brought about through hands-on experience in governance.
“Senator Yari’s credentials speak volumes of a man on a mission to contribute to sustainable growth and development. He has demonstrated competence and capacity and has built bridges across the divide.
“The Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria understands that the position of Senate President is for individuals that have distinguished themselves in leadership over time. This much can be said of Senator Yari as Governor of Zamfara State and the Governors Forum.
“His tenure as Chairman of the Governors Forum witnessed invaluable contributions to the national discourse. He was able to bring about unity of purpose and a sense of direction that was instrumental in solving some of the issues that were contentious in governance in the country.
“His tenure as Zamfara state governor also witnessed giant strides in policy formulation and implementation that set the state on the right footing in its quest for sustainable growth and development.
“Senator Abdulaziz Yari is one of the few Nigerian leaders preaching religious and ethnic tolerance. He is a firm believer in One Nigeria. This much has defined his approach to issues that have assisted in bringing about peace and tranquillity across the country. “
The Christian group, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the aspiration of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, which it says represents hope for the country.
“We also call on the leadership of the APC and all Senators to extend their support to Senator Abdulaziz Yari with the overarching objective of availing Nigeria his leadership acumen and strength of character in the leadership of the Senate,” the statement added.
“The urgency of now requires that round pegs are placed in round holes. That task is onerous, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari fits the bill as the Senate President. This is not the time to experiment with leadership at all levels. “