Over 40 APC, PDP senators-elect back Lawan's bid

dimeji akinloye

May 27, 2015 11:32 PM

Lawan's support group said it has found him and Akume most qualified for the jobs which is why the senators decided to support them.

Senator Ahmed Lawan

Senate Unity Forum, the group supporting Ahmed Lawan for Senate President and George Akume as deputy, said it has the support of 40 senators-elect of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leader of the group, Senator Barnabas Gemade (APC Benue North-East), stated this during an interactive session with journalists attached to the National Assembly on Wednesday, May 27, in Abuja.

Gemade also claimed that the group has the support of the majority of the 49 senators of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He said that the group has found Lawan and Akume most qualified for the jobs which is why the senators decided to support them.

Gemade said that their candidacy will ensure stability and improvement which has been enshrined in the conduct of activities at the Senate in the last eight years.

“We are happy to unveil to you that this is the plan that the Unity Forum and the 8th Senate have, and by the Grace of God, we will actualise the plan.

“We have 40 APC senators-elect that have keyed into this project. Other PDP senators-elect have also keyed in to this project.

“We are not publishing the list of all the senators because we know that a lot is being done; a lot of claims are being made, so it is not proper to join anyone in making any claims.

“The day we will give you the list, all those concerned will be present and you will match the list with the faces that will be present,” he said.

Gemade acknowledged that there are a lot of issues to be tackled in the 8th assembly and stressed that that is why the leadership of the National Assembly must lead by example.

Also speaking at the session, Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe North) assured that the 8th Senate under his leadership will ensure independence of the legislature.

“We have had eight years of stability and I will like to build on that.

“There is need for consensus in the 8th Senate which is unique in the history of Nigeria with 59 APC senators and 49 PDP senators.

“The gap is narrow hence the need for consensus between the two sides.

“The National Assembly must never be a rubber stamp to the executive,” he said.

Lawan also said that he will work to cut down on the cost of governance, fight corruption and partner with other arms of government as well as the legislature in the states.

dimeji akinloye