By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri
The senator-elect from Imo North Senatorial District, Patrick Ndubueze, has joined the race for the position of Senate President ahead of the 10th Assembly inauguration.
The Imo-born politician declared his intention in an open letter that he wrote to the ruling All Progressives Congress party and all the 109 Senators-elect to solicit their support to realise this vision.
The development is coming less than two days after former Zamfara Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, has said that he would not step down for the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godwin Akpabio, who is being considered for the APC’s consensus arrangement.
Ndubueze was first elected member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Okigwe Federal Constituency in Imo State in 1992 and has been touted as one of the loyalists of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
In his notification letter issued to the APC National Working Committee on Sunday, the lawmaker thanked the national leadership of the party for giving a level playing field, especially to aspirants in the South, for equity and federal character.
The senator-elect further disclosed that the Senate has grown into an icon of national democratic trajectory and had, over the years, shown a capacity to fulfil the huge expectations of Nigerians across all boards.
The letter read, “In respect of current realities in this time which requires sensitive leadership in the Senate in the moulds of focused leadership, one that is people-centric and supportive.
“Having been persuaded of my track record as a ranking legislator, a politician of more than 35 years standing and a personal character that had stood the test of time for integrity and commitment to the people, I, Engr. Patrick Ndubueze, being a ranking member of the National Assembly, do desire to offer myself to contest the office of the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly strongly believing in my capacity to stand in the roles of the leadership required at this time.
“I trust that you will bless my aspiration as declared with your active support through appropriate counselling, advice and networking, to ensure that this noble cause sees the light of the day.
While I await your kind acceptance of my declaration of intention, sir, please, accept, the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
In a similar letter written to individual Senator-elect in the Red Chamber, Ndubueze noted that he has remained committed to the good cause of the Nigerian project in the last 32 years.
This was even as the politician added that he has been consulting with critical stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country.
He wrote, “Distinguished Senator, over the last 32 years, I have remained committed to the good cause of the Nigerian project.
“And had always been persuaded that our sovereign advancement inclusive of the desired progressions of millions of Nigerians is better enabled through the instrumentality of appropriately engineered legislations which are superintended by a knowledgeable and motivated political head of the National Assembly who is equipped for thoroughness, moderation and vision-driven compassion.
“It is for these reasons, and their fulfilment, Distinguished Senator, that I have decided to declare my intention to contest the office of the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I do not treat this declaration lightly, Distinguished Senator. I, indeed, have been on a consultation frenzy with critical stakeholders across the length and breadth of our country to positive acclaim.
“This letter to your good self is in continuation of the consultation I had embarked upon, by which, I am of the hope that you will avail me a time to physically meet with you, even as I now canvass for your support and advice as we head to the day of the election of the principal officers of the National Assembly.
“While thanking you, profusely, for the opportunity of this engagement, Distinguished Senator, please accept my highest regards for your good self.”
Sources in his camp have, however, disclosed that Ndubueze may call an international press conference to officially declare for the seat of the Senate presidency.
