There are indications that the outgoing Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state and Senator-elect for Zamfara Central, is poised to run for the office of the Deputy Senate President in the 9th Assembly.
A credible source privy to the development confided in LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday in Abuja.
The source who pleaduy anonimity said “His Excellency is eminently qualified to run for the DSP (Deputy Senate President) having served as a member of the House of Representatives. So the issue of ranking is settled”
“Also, we are confident of getting the support of senators from the North-West as against other candidates angling for the position from other regions. Take for instance those from the South-South that are asking for the position, what have they brought to the table in terms of representation for the APC as a party? So, the zone should be rewarded with such a position when they are only two or three senators from the South-south?,” he wondered.
Yari, who is the current chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, was a member of the House of Representatives where represented Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency of Zamfara state between 2007 to 2011.
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The source also hinted that the North will oppose the move for a single individual or two to dictate who gets what in the 9th National Assembly.
“Let me tell you, there is no way we (the North) will allow one or two men to decide who gets what. He want to decide who is Senate President. His boy got the Speaker as if he is the only one in the party. Just wait and see the shocker that awaits them come June.”
“As far as His Excellency (Yari) is concerned, Senator Goje (former Gombe governor) is emerging.”
Giving further insights into why those eyeing the Deputy Senate President might not get it, the source singled out Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ovie Omo-Agege, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Francis Alimikhena as either lacking the numerical advantage or coming from zones that have less impact in the APC.
“How do you think that Senator Tinubu will emerge DSP? She is from the same political family as Vice President Osinbajo, as well as one of theirs has been nominated by the party for the position of Speaker.
“Also, Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta APC) and Francis Alimikhena (APC, Edo) are from a zone that have contributed insignificantly to the party. Both are the only senators from their states and two of three from the entire zone. This also applies to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu that has no legislative experience to add,” he added.
