By Haruna Salami
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina Central) has emerged chairman, Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) after a meeting of the forum Thursday in Abuja.
Senator Yar’adua replaces Senator Abdul Ningi, who resigned as chairman after his suspension from Senate for three months over alleged N3 trillion 2024 budget padding.
In his acceptance speech as chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, Yar’adua said he was deeply honoured and humbled to communicate his acceptance of position of chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my distinguished colleagues for this vote of confidence in me following the resignation of my distinguished elder brother, Senator Abdul Ningi whom I hold in high esteem”, adding he acknowledged and commended the “decent outing and the contributions he made during his tenure”.
Yar’adua said he is aware of the challenges facing the Northern region which include: “Security, agriculture, education, healthcare, drug abuse and human trafficking” and others too numerous to mention.
He enumerated the major objective of the forum to the promotion of the interest of Nigeria first followed by development of the North through collaboration with our distinguished colleagues from the South and cooperating with the executive arm of government to ensure that the challenges of the region are attended to.
“We Shall therefore work in consultation with our distinguished colleagues to preserve the unity and progress of our dear nation.
“In advancing these noble objectives, I am committed to streamlined activities within the Northern Senators’ Forum. We shall operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity, upholding the trust placed on us by the electorate.
“Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterized by civility, dignity, and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfill our lawmaking, policy-making and oversight functions”.
He is confident that with their collective efforts and cooperation, they can “effect positive change, uplift the North, and contribute to the overall development of our great nation.
“Together, let us embark on this journey with unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to serving our constituents and our country.
He prayed that their actions be “guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for a better and brighter future for all Nigerians”.
