Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has kicked against the zoning of principal offices of the 10th Senate, just as he has joined the race for the Senate Presidency.
Ndume represents Borno South Senatorial district in the 9th Senate.
Ndume, who made his intention known in a statement, on Wednesday, however, said his ambition would be determined by the fairness of the zoning arrangements that would be put in place by the All Progressives Congress leadership.
He said, “Subject to the position of the party (APC), and the fairness of such arrangements, I intend to throw my hat in the race for Senate Presidency because of my experience.” Member| Punch
He contested the seat with the incumbent president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan in 2019.
The Senator wondered why the APC was insisting on zoning arrangements for the National Assembly positions when it didn’t do the same during the presidential primaries.
He said, “The APC leadership did not take any position during the presidential primary election. Aspirants from all geopolitical zones participated in the exercise.
“Senators should be allowed to choose a competent person among them that has adequate legislative and managerial experiences to lead the Senate.
“Zoning may not lead to the emergence of the best person for the job that is why the decision to choose the Senate presiding officers must be the sole responsibility of the senators.”
He said he would put Nigeria’s interests first if elected even as he said the issue of political inclusion and power devolution would be paramount in his Agenda.
He said if he becomes Senate President he would “be one, not first among equals” and promised to work harmoniously and interdependently with the executive arm of government.
Ndume also said the relationship between the legislature and the judiciary would be cordial without undermining the principles of Separation of Power, adding that under his leadership, the Senate would make new laws and review existing ones to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
He said the Senate under him would tackle the security, and welfare of citizens, create jobs, fight corruption, improve education, boost the economy, and ensure infrastructure development.
The Senator also explained how he would ensure business and entrepreneurship development, and achieve healthcare development.
He said, “We would amend and review existing tax laws to generate more income, block leakages and ensure transparency through open accountability with the full participation of all senators
“We will protect and improve the welfare, rights, and privileges of National Assembly workers.
“We will inculcate es-spirit de-corps in order to utilize the experiences of former members by engaging them as consultants to members and Committees in order to tap from their experiences.
“We will set a timeline for confirmations, and passage of Bills, especially budgets and executive requests.
“The Constituency Development Bill will be passed to ensure transparency, equity, fairness, efficiency, and effectiveness of Constituency Projects,” Ndume added.
Notable individuals who have shown interest in being president of the 10th Senate include Senators-elect Ali Ndume (Borno South), Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Orji Uzoh Kalu (Abia), Jibrin Barau (Kano) and Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger), among others.
The 10th Assembly will be inaugurated in June 2023 after the swearing-in of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on May 29.
