Vice President-Elect Kashim Shettima has thrown his weight behind Senators-Elect Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for the leadership positions in the 10th Senate.
Speaking to over 70 Senators-Elect at his campaign office in Abuja, Shettima expressed his support for Akpabio as Senate President and Barau as Deputy, stating that their selection is vital for national stability, unity, and competence.
Shettima emphasized that politics should not divide the people but rather serve as a unifying force.
He further highlighted the need for religious balance, pointing out that as the President-elect and Vice President-elect are both Muslims, choosing a Christian candidate like Akpabio for the position of the third citizen of the country would promote unity and dispel any perception of an alleged Islamization agenda.
The Vice President-Elect praised Akpabio’s exposure, competence, and experience, stating that these qualities make him suitable for the office of Senate President.
He also emphasized the importance of experience and competence in selecting Barau as the Deputy Senate President.
Shettima acknowledged his personal relationship with Senator Abdulaziz Yari but stressed that national interest should supersede personal considerations.
Shettima expressed gratitude to Governors Nyesom Wike and David Umahi for their support and contributions to the party.
He commended Wike as a man of honor and integrity, and described Umahi as the best performing Governor in the South East.
Shettima thanked them for their reverence to the party’s decision, as Umahi withdrew his Senate Leadership ambition in deference to the party’s choice.
Assuring that efforts would be made to engage APC Senators-Elect who have not yet aligned with the party’s choices, Shettima mentioned his intention to work with them and persuade them to join the fold before the National Assembly’s inauguration.
He acknowledged the political prowess of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his principal, in bringing everyone together.
Senator Akpabio, on behalf of the Solidarity Group, congratulated Vice President-Elect Shettima on his election and praised his choice as the incoming Vice President, stating that it is a step in the right direction.
Akpabio expressed the group’s commitment to providing stable leadership for the 10th Senate, based on integrity and the success of Nigeria as a whole.
The Solidarity Group comprises members from various political parties, united in their goal to ensure the stability and progress of Nigeria, transcending party affiliations, religion, and ethnicity.
They pledged to work closely with the incoming administration to evaluate policies and uphold the stability of the country, viewing themselves as Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than representatives of specific parties.
