The voice and aspiration of Nigerians would always prevail – Yari

Senator-elect, Abdul’aziz Yari has said that if elected as the 10th Senate President, the voice and aspiration of Nigerians would always prevail.

Yari who made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday said that the 10th Senate under his leadership shall be the Senate of all Nigerians.

He said “In all our activities, the Senate, under my leadership, by the leave of my bosses and the grace of the Almighty Allah, shall be completely democratic, open and serve only the interest of Nigerians.

Yari assured Nigerians that he would ensure a firm, transparent, purposeful and cordial working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver his vision for a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.

“It is important to state with the permission of my bosses, that I possess the requisite experience, competence, capacity and the national acceptance to lead the Senate at this point in time.

“As you all know, I have over the years built strong connections among the various peoples of Nigeria across the 36 states and the FCT and I understand the nuances of our nation.

“We will build on such ties, connections and experience to heal our nation, foster strong synergies and unity in our country.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly which we seek to lead will be stable, proactive, listen to and pursue the genuine aspiration and yearnings of Nigerians.

“It is for these reasons that I put myself forward with the support of majority of my colleagues and bosses to lead the 10th Senate.

“As fellow stakeholders in this democratic project, I seek your support as always in this noble mission.

“Which primary objective is the stability, unity, economic development and wellbeing of Nigerians.”

Also Speaking, Senator-elect Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said that 67 senators were in support of Yari’s team.

“I’ve partook in the 1999 political calculation; 2003; 2007; 2011 and 2015 consecutively, our latest count as of last night (Tuesday) was 67 and more are coming by the grace of God.”

He said said he was optimistic that Yari would lead the Senate adding that “that is why we are following him.

“We know the game, we know the temperament there. There is no one single individual that knows it all either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.

“So he (Yari) needs experienced hands like us to be able to guide you to achieve what is required.

“If we make a mistake in choosing our leaders, we can at any given time remove him.”

He, however, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow the senators choose whoever they wanted.

“Just as the nation chooses you as a president and party chairman, allow the senators choose their own leader,” Ningi said.

The incoming lawmaker while speaking on the issue of money in the campaigns for the Senate Presidency said that…

“The same people that come out to complain about money have forgotten how time flies; six months ago (during the general elections).

“They won their primaries top to bottom.

“When you talk about money, money by whom and to whom. Do you have any evidence?

“There is no politics that money is not there. But is it the most critical. Is it the most fundamental.

“And I can tell you about this campaign, it is not about money especially for our candidate.”

He further said that Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu and senator-elect Osita Izunaso were still in talks of alliance.

“Musa, Kalu, Izunaso, Yari are in one camp. Discussions are is still ongoing. In the politics of the national assembly, everything is possible,” Ningi said.

On his part, senator-elect for Bauchi North, Samaila Kaila, said his support was for Yari.

“We are supporting Yari to win but anyone that emerges, we will support the Tinubu’s administration; he will not work against democracy and against democratic process.