Senator representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa has declared Tuesday that the National Executive of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) , will address the issue of religion balancing in the zoning formula to be used for election of presiding officers.
Sani Musa who made this known while fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja said the Muslim – Muslim ticket used by the party to win the Presidential election , must be balanced at the configuration of leadership of the 10th National Assembly for unity of the country .
He said : ‘ This is a real ambush. Why don’t you wait till when I will make my declaration, but since you decide to ask me, I will say, there is no office deserves to be zoned to the North Central than the Office of the Senate President, but as a party loyalist, and having an interaction with the party leadership before the governorship and House of Assembly elections at the presidential Villa, the National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu requested that we all keep our intentions until when the party decide to release the zoning formula.
“‘Be that as it may, and as we can all see that the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which am sure will be addressed, we will queue in and decide to make our declaration.
“I would not want to pre-empt the party, I will wait for the decision of the party. Whatever is the interest of the North Central as one of the geopolitical zones that gave the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the highest votes. If you look at the difference we gave to APC and the votes we gave to PDP, we have the largest.
“I do know there will be nothing less than the Deputy Senate President because that is what will be fair to us”.
He however said his ambition is to run for Senate Presidency and use the office to collaborate with the executive in turning things around for good in the country .
‘ Every human being has ambition. I intend to come in order to save our Constitution and democracy in this country. You are all witnesses to what is going on in this country. Imbalances in this country.
” Our forefathers since independence did it in such a way that the future generations will come together and live as one. So there is no need for me not to vie for this position and when I come in an going to strengthen the administration.
“There is a high rate of inflation with 2 digits, unemployment, insecurity is there, the value of naira has gone so down. You can imagine what is happening with our naira.
” It shouldn’t happen in a country like Nigeria. We are supposed to be the most advanced economy in Nigeria, but alas! , we are where we are today for reasons best known to us all .
” The institution that will serve as antidote to strong policies that will unite this country for prosperity is the National Assembly and the National Assembly needs presiding servants, those that will feel the feelings of Nigerians from the streets.
” But as earlier said , if for the sake of religion balancing and unity of the country , Senate Presidency is not zoned to North Central , Deputy President of the Senate , should be given “
Meanwhile, The president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, disclosed that he cannot afford to squander his mandate as the nation’s next president because it was a dream that he spent his life perfecting.
Tinubu’s sober reflection, titled “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians”, raised a lot of hope as he vowed not to disappoint Nigerians when it matters most.
The development is coming one week after his media officer, Tunde Rahman, announced that the president-elect had departed the country for a vacation in Paris, France capital.
Rahman noted that after a short rest in Europe, he may stay back to observe Ramadan fast before heading for Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Until his media aide cleared the air, blogs and social media platforms have been awash with news that the former governor of Lagos State was rushed abroad for medical attention.
However, in his first birthday message to Nigerians as president-elect, Tinubu reiterated that his swearing-in ceremony in two months would signify his preparation for the task ahead.
While expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life, the former governor stated that the holy month of Ramadan couldn’t have come at a better, adding that he cherished it more than the celebration of individual achievements.
He said, “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.
“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support.
“They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”
