Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a valedictory session for members of the ninth Senate, advised incoming members of the 10th Senate to reject vote buying in the election of presiding officers, scheduled for Tuesday. He emphasized that it was crucial for the country’s best interests that the senators-elect exercise their civic duty and vote according to their conscience. The inauguration of the 10th National Assembly is set to take place on Tuesday, June 13. Shettima and other members of the ninth Senate were invited to participate in the session.Ensuring the independence of the legislature is vital for a robust democracy, and therefore, it is imperative that members-elect in both chambers are allowed to elect their leadership. The National Assembly represents the sovereignty of the people in a democratic system, where the choices made by their representatives hold great significance.
According to Ologunagba, any attempt to appropriate the selection of presiding officers by any group or individuals would undermine the sovereignty of the people. He urged lawmakers-elect to assert their independence in the election of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In a related development, there are emerging indications that supporters of Senator Godswill Akpabio are allegedly plotting to prevent former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, from contesting for the position of Senate President. Credible sources have suggested that the Akpabio group has been using various tactics, including cajoling, intimidating, and blackmailing Yari, in an attempt to make him withdraw from the race for the Senate Presidency.
