By Ere-ebi Imisi
Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, National movement for good governance and Coalition of the APC Support Groups have insisted that the position of the 10th Sen President should be placed in the hands of a competent and experienced leader as the group settled for Senator Osita Izunaso as their preferred choice for the exalted seat of the Senate President.
The coalition noted this in Abuja, recently while hosting an International Press Conference.
According to the National Convener, Umar Abutu Omar, Sen Osita Izunaso has what it takes to excel as a Senate President adding that his emergence as the senate president of the 10th National Assembly will put a stop to secession agitation from the South-East as he is a great unifier.
Omar explained that it was only fair for President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to endorse the candidacy of Izunaso who served as the Director of Presidential Campaign Council and Mobilisation for South-East for the 2023 presidential election adding that he is a consummate party man and a veritable team player.
Omar noted that Izunaso possess a robust background in the legislative process having served as a staff of the two chambers of the National Assembly and also remains the oldest ranking senator from the southeast making him a compelling choice.
“as a coalition we have unanimously agreed to throw our weight behind Osita Izunaso, the Senator-elect for Imo West as the best suited for the position of Senate President. For a smooth democratic process; there is a need for the protection of nascent democracy which is hinged on the principle of Federal Character as provided in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that recognizes and promotes inclusivity of all groups in the country into public offices.
‘‘Izunaso has proven his commitment and dedication, also the need to zone the seat to the South East geopolitical zone as part of an effort to ensure an even and fair distribution of leadership positions in the polity.
‘’Besides, through his instrument of lawmaking, Izunaso has delivered bountiful dividends of democracy to his senatorial constituency’’ he said.
Also, speaking Spokesperson for APC National Grassroot Movement, Dr David Chukwumelugaba noted that the South-East should be allowed to produce the Senate President for the 10th Assembly for justice, fairness and equity.
Chukwumelugaba noted that Sen Izunaso made contributions to debates on vast societal issues such as security, education, and healthcare.
‘‘He appealed for more funds for the educational sector and urged the government to address the challenges facing the sector. He also advocated for improved healthcare services and infrastructure in his constituency and other parts of the country. Senator Osita Izunaso was a visible representative of his constituency in the Senate’’
He however added that the coalition believes in the candidacy of Sen Izunaso as a round peg in a round hole and assured that the group will work to ensure victory of its candidate.
In the same Vein, Chairman APC PCC Imo state media and publicity committee, Dr George Agbakahi noted that considering the marginalization of the south east in previous administrations it is only right for the region to be considered for the position and Sen Izunaso has proven to be the most qualified of all the other senators vying for the position.
Agbakahi who is also the South East leader Tinubu Support organization explained that Sen Izunaso has served with distinction and commands respect and trust of the party and the political leadership of the party.
He added that Izunaso played a prominent role in actualizing the PMB administration, very educated and possesses an overwhelming capacity as compared to other candidates adding that having a south east Senate President will further strengthen the hold of the APC in the region.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition, Hon Sam Atasia Oburu added that Sen Izunaso is a bridge between the party APC, having served as the National Organising Secretary and the National Assembly saying for the first time their will be a solid synergy between both insitutions.
He reiterated Sen Izunaso’s sterling trade mark of impacting human capacity and a loyal party members.
Therefore, he insisted that with Izunaso as Senate President Nigeria will for the first time in a long time have confidence and trust in the leadership of the National Assembly .
Also present were some members of the APC-PCC media and publicity directorate, NGOs and CLOs.
