The Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, has supported the candidature of Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as the next Senate President.
The forum in a statement signed by its National Director Public Affairs, Bello Abdulhamid, and made available to newsmen said, “The AYF urges all elected Senators to support the candidature of Distinguished Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as the Senate President of the 9th Assembly.”
AYF said that it behooves on the elected leaders to focus on developmental agenda and good governance.
The forum explained, “It is a fact that there exists the universally acceptable principle of separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“However, for governance to be pro-active, result oriented and beneficial to Nigerians, synergy, progressive cohesion and focus in order to bring about the urgently needed delivery of Democracy dividends is vital.”
The group alleged that with benefit of hindsight, the 8th National Assembly had a disconnect with the Executive.
It said, “A state of affairs that is traceable to the reign of Political moles and opportunists serving their godfathers and other vested interests, that truncated the emergence of quality leadership in the Legislative arm of Government.
“Consequently, that led to the slow pace of delivery of democracy dividends as intended. Allegations abound that efforts made to entrench anti corruption policies were frustrated by crop of corrupt Law makers for fear that the policies will affect them or their godfathers.
“Also, annual Budgets have taken record long time to be passed, the ripple effect of which affects the ordinary Nigerian,” it lamented.”
It explained that as a genuine group seeking progress of the country, it remains committed to contributing by ensuring the Senate gets right leadership.
“Consequently, the Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, the premier umbrella platform of Northern Youths, which has been consistent in working towards the holistic entrenchment, deepening and strengthening of democracy and it’s institutions; as well as good governance, fervently believe that Nigeria needs a very qualified man of Integrity to lead the 9th Senate.
“Among those vying for this exalted office, distinguished Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawal, Phd, CON, Danmasanin Bade is head and shoulders among the contestants. He is by far the most experienced and ranking Senator who made his debut in 1999 as a honourable member representing the Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency of Yobe State.
“He served two terms and graduated to the Senate. To his credit, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawal, served as Chairman Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
“Senator Lawan was adjudged to have served with dexterity and never compromised his stance and refused to be swayed by financial enticements.
“In 2011, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawal presided in the investigation into the activities of Bureau of Public Enterprises ( BPE ) on the “Collapse of some privatised Federal Government companies in Nigeria”; and came up with far reaching recommendations and refused planned inducements by the brains behind the offensive acts perpetuated against d Nigerian state.
“No wonder he does not have a case before the EFCC. Senator Ahmad Lawan served as Chairman Senate committee on Defence in the 8th Assembly.
“Interestingly, Senator Ahmad Lawan has been very consistent in his political choices.
“To his credit, he provided the needed quality leadership amidst the turbulence which engulfed the National Assembly, he brought stability in the upper chamber of the Senate and bridged the gap between the Senators of the ruling party and the opposition, a very challenging task which he accomplished with his deft and dexterous Leadership skills. These actions earned him the position of Senate leader,” it explained.
The group observed that without an iota of doubt, Nigeria needs a Senate President that has ranking experience, integrity, leadership and political savvy.
“A leader that commands the respect not only of Senators in his party but also in the opposition; a leader that is visionary, focused and steadfast; a leader that is a patriot of the highest order who puts the interest of the common Nigerian first; a leader that has a passion of ensuring that the delivery of Democracy dividends is fast tracked aimed at sustainable peace, security and socio-economic development,” it said.
