By Chuks Ehirim
As the race for who becomes the next President of the Nigerian Senate gathers momentum, the ambition of former Governor of Benue State and three term Senator, George Akume,for the plum job, received a major boost on Thursday, following the official endorsement of his candidature by a youths group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of League of Patriotic and Progressive Youths (LPPY)
They explained that their collectively weight behind the Benue-born politician, unlike other contenders for the Senate top job, was because Akume has a rich political background and has helped in solidifying the party in North-central region.
Leader of group, Dominic Alancha told journalists at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja that as Minority Leader in the 7th National Assembly (Senate) , Akume provided the needed leadership and helped nurture the party to its current enviable position.
“We call on Akume to throw his hat into the ring by contesting for the elevated office of Senate President. The 8th National Assembly needs a leader whose pedigree is distinguished. Our call is not made in tepid kneel-jerk reaction to the unfolding political scenario, but rather, ours is based on detailed analysis and historical understanding of events.
“Nigeria’s political revolution calls for men and women of great understanding, sagacity, insight and conviction to be at the driving seat at this particular time. This is no time to experiment with trial and error. It is time to elevate men and women of conviction, industry, national acceptability and proven track record to stand guard at critical organs of government,” Alancha explained.
Speaking on Akume’s role in breaking the strong jinx of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) domination of North-central, the youths recalled with nostalgia how the Senate Minority Leader was mocked, abused, intimidated and harassed. “He never wavered,” Alancha added.
Apart from Akume, others in the race for the Senate Presidency, include former governors of Nasarrawa State and Kwara State, Abdullahi Adamu and Dr Bukola Saraki, respectively. Others are Senators Ahmed Lawan[Yobe State] and Ali Ndume[Borno State].
