The All Progressives Congress’ zoning formula for the National Assembly Presiding offices by the National Working Committee continues to cause issues as members of the National Assembly continue to reject it as the fight for control of the 10th Senate picks up steam.
Abdulaziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State and representative for Zamfara West, is one of the leading candidates for the Senate’s top post. He has declared his interest in the position in accordance with the constitution’s provisions rather than the National Working Committee, which is led by Senator Adamu Abdullahi, and not using any zoning formula.
NILDS Yari said, in response to inquiries from reporters yesterday at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja, during the ongoing Induction Programme for Members-elect of the National Assembly organized by the National Assembly and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, “My aspiration for Presidency of the 10th Senate is covered by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which to me, is superior to any other law or arrangement.”
“I am a devoted member of my party, and nobody has informed me that any positions have been zoned in the context of the 10th National Assembly.
The position of Senate President is first among equals among the 109 Senators, he continued. Any senator-elect who wishes to hold the office must enlist the help of others, which is what I am doing.
“It’s a hire-and-fire system. On the day of the inauguration, I want to be given the position of President of the 10th Senate. I’ve gotten support from a lot of people, and I won’t let them down.
The choice of the other 108 Senators on that day, and nothing else, will determine whether I am elected Senate President on the day of my inauguration.
Remember that the party leadership recently announced the zoning of the 10th National Assembly’s leadership, with the Senate Presidency going to the South-South and the Deputy Senate President going to the North-West.
