WITH the successful conclusion of the 2023 general election, the 10th National Assembly is poised for its inauguration in June this year for the next four legislative years, with the election of the Presiding Officers and their Deputies as the only legislative activity which Senators and members-elect are constitutionally permitted to engage in, before the taking the oaths as contained in sections (50) (1) (a) 52(i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the relevant sections of the Standing Rules of both chambers. Howbeit, as a build-up to this critical day, some senators-elect have been jostling for the seat of the President of the Senate, foremost among them is Distinguished Senator (Barr) Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial zone, Imo State. Undeniably, a peep into the resume of all the contenders for the position, reveals succinctly that the enviable credentials of Senator Izunasa place him over and above others in many respects for the plum Job.
In terms of ranking, Barr Izinaso is the most senior ranking senator or parliamentarian from the southern part of Nigeria for he had before now served as a member of the House of Representatives and a senator respectively for cumulative eight years in this Fourth Republic. Undoubtedly, he has been sufficiently equipped and become abreast of all the parliamentary procedures and practices, rudiments of representative democracy and dynamics of National Assembly politics. As a parliamentarian of high repute and unwavering integrity, while in the House of Representatives and the Senate respectively, Senator Izunaso, exhibited an uncommon grasp of legislative engagement, and robust and insightful contributions to the debates just as he is well-schooled in the ideals of parliamentary discipline, due process and rule of law with emphasis on pro-people legislations. Indeed, Izunaso possesses the requisite legislative experience, intellectual content, political sagacity, character, capacity and competence that will adequately propel him to offer focused, ingenuous and coordinated leadership not only in the Senate but National Assembly as its chairman.
To ensure that the National Assembly and indeed the nation utilise these captivating qualities and great potentials inherent in this consummate, diligent and vibrant lawmaker, it is imperative for relevant stakeholders in the country’s political landscape particularly the leadership of the Ruling All Progressive Congress APC, and its governors, to micro-zone the position of the Senate President to the south-East geo-political zone for equity, justice, inclusiveness, fairness and national unity. Noteworthy is the commendable nationalistic role the APC State Governors played by solidly supporting and ensuring that the South produced President Muhammed Buhari’s successor, an effort that culminated in the election of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria.
While encomiums would continue to be showered deservedly on the APC governors and other political influencers for such profound effort in fostering national unity, they are being called upon once again to display such patriotism by not only insisting vehemently that the South-East geo-political zone produces the Senate President for the 10th National Assembly but ensure that Senator Osita Izunaso clinches the top job for excellent legislative performance and efficient governance Similarly, the other contestants especially those from the South-East are being persuaded to coalesce and support Senator Izunaso to ensure his emergence as the next president of the Senate to forestall the possibility of the south-east losing the golden opportunity. Obviously it is indisputable that the Nation deserves the best for a qualitative Senate leadership hence Senator Izunaso, a detribalised political icon, erudite lawyer, a bridge builder, man with clear vision and a strong moral compass is recommended as the fit and proper person to occupy the seat of the Senate President.
- Idris writes in from Abuja
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