Full text of Progressives Youth Intellectual briefing in favour of senator Jibrin Barau’s ambition in the 10th Senate leadership

Good Afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for finding time to honor our invitation for the expression of our resolve on the issues of the National Assembly leadership tussles and our position on the zoning arrangement released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the largest political party in Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After series of meetings and consultation with the leadership and governing board of our great forum, we have finally and unanimously agreed to support the APC position on zoning of the principal and presiding officers of the 10th National

Assembly as follows:
1.

Sen Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, (South South) former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Senator Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the President of the 10th Senate

2.

Sen Barau I. Jibrin CON, (Kano, North West) a 4 term Member of the National Assembly (1 Term House of Reps and 3 Terms as a Senator) the Chairman Senate Committee of Appropriation (the Appropriation Guru) as Deputy Senate President of the 10th Assembly.

3. Hon Tajudden Abbas (Kaduna, North West) as Speaker House of Representative, and
4. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Abia, South East) as Deputy Speaker House of Representatives.

This decision is a clear manifestation of the APC desired unity and stability agenda for Nigeria, evidently, the leadership of these extraordinary gentlemen of subtle and noble legislators who are easily assessable, dedicated and committed to the service of our fatherland would flourish and bring about harmony and a smooth work relationship with the Executive Arm.
Already our President, mentor and father, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is from the South West, the Vice President Sen Kashim Shattima GCON from the North East, duo experienced legislators in the Red Chamber with vast experiences in governance and legislation, assiduously demands their equal in the expeditious and harmonious relation possible to hit the ground running with no others than the tested and trusted men whom have had an indelible relationship with their colleagues and constituents.
Looking at the result of the 2023 general elections, it is obvious that the North West deserves to lead the senate looking at the quantum of votes scored for the party. With over 2.6m votes, Sentor Jibrin scored morethan 250 thousand votes for President Asiwaju/kashim, the highest votes scored in all the Geo-Political zones.
But, even though, the mandate he was sent with by his constituents who are here with us, was to contest for the plum seat, notwithstanding, all his permutation to succeed the President of the 9th Senate and the red signal posed from his constituents not to withdraw from the race regardless of the stance of the NWC, he has, as a party faithful and his obedience to the party’s position immediately withdrew his aspiration and cedes to Sen Godwill Akpabio of which we his constituents later saw light in the decision of the party’s position, the only reward to compensate such a party obedient member was to give him Deputy Senate President for 2 reasons; for his hardwork towards the success of the Asiwaju/Kashim campaign with a huge margin of defeat despite the NNPP (Kwankwasiyya) onslaught in Kano except for his constituency where he was able to deliver. Secondly, his withdrawal from the race of the Senate Presidency which is okay considering the rights of first refusal.

Senator Jibrin, is the only person that can restore the APC dominance in Kano and the entire North West to Mr President in the next election looking at his disposition as Deputy Senate President and qualities of a rarely but exceptional leader whose passion for the development of his zone is second to none within the Entire North West senators. This is evident in the just concluded elections. Thus, youth elite groups within the core North would support him in any way possible to ensure we reclaim our dear Kano and Zamfara States from NNPP and PDP respectively because these are the strongest hold of the APC.

With President of the Senate from South South, Deputy Senate President from North West, Speaker from North West and Deputy Speaker from South East, initially having the Party’s National Chairman from North Central, we believe in the even distribution of the positions by the NWC would be a cause for celebration of success and achievements in the Asiwaju/Kashim administration. What remains now is the undaunted spirit of the NWC to ensure compliance.
On this note, I am admonishing on all major critical stakeholders of the party especially the legislators to as a matter of national cohesion comply with this arrangement and eschew all forms of grievances as it may be to enable the party lead the assembly in the best possible manner.

Finally, I want ot use this medium to pray to Allah SWT to guide, protect, and help the Tinubu Administration. I also urge each and evry of you to do same. With our collective prayers, we trust in God they will deliver and succeed, Insha Allah.

On your Mandate we shall stand.

Thank you for all your continued support.

God bless the All Progressives Congress
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria