As the 10th Assembly inauguration draws closer, the race for the position of Senate President is heating up. The latest entrant into the race is Engr. Patrick Ndubueze, the Senator-elect from Imo North Senatorial District, News About Nigeria reports.
Ndubueze, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his intention to contest for the position in an open letter addressed to the party’s national leadership and all the 109 Senators-elect. He is seeking their support to help him realize his vision.
The Imo-born politician has been described as a loyalist of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. He was first elected member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Okigwe Federal Constituency in Imo State in 1992.
Ndubueze expressed his gratitude to the APC National Working Committee for giving a level playing field, especially to aspirants in the South, for equity and federal character.
He noted that the Senate has become an icon of national democratic trajectory and had, over the years, shown a capacity to fulfill the huge expectations of Nigerians across all boards.
“In respect of current realities in this time which requires sensitive leadership in the Senate in the molds of focused leadership, one that is people-centric and supportive,” Ndubueze wrote in his letter.
“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.”
Ndubueze also revealed that he has been consulting with critical stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country.
His letter reads; “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 fulfillment, 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.”
The race for the Senate President position is already shaping up to be a keenly contested one, with other prominent politicians indicating their interest. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious as the 10th Assembly is inaugurated.
