A socio-political organization in the northern region, known as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has reiterated its opposition to the imposition of the 10th Senate President, emphasizing the importance of allowing the 109 senators-elect to independently select their leaders, News About Nigeria reports.
The NEF also cautioned against the influence of religion, asserting that it should not be a decisive factor in the choice of the Senate leader.
The organization has consistently advised the Bola Tinubu-led administration to respect the rights and privileges of elected members of the National Assembly, urging them to campaign for their preferences in a respectful and considerate manner.
In light of this, the northern elders criticized Vice President Kashim Shettima for his remarks, which insinuated that, within the current dispensation, a southern Christian, regardless of competence, would be a better choice for the Senate Presidency than a northern Muslim with strong moral principles.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for NEF and a former Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, expressed his disappointment during a press conference in Kaduna State.
He stated that the attempt to impose the Senate leadership had led to the vice president’s regrettable comments, which occurred just before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the NEF had consistently urged President Tinubu‘s administration to respect the legislature’s elected members’ rights to select their leaders.
He further stated that Vice President Shettima’s remarks, which connected religious faith with the selection process, were inappropriate and irresponsible.
Such comments exacerbate the role of religion as a divisive factor in contemporary politics and undermine the significance of faith in the conduct of elected leaders, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The NEF spokesperson criticized the notion that political expediency should take precedence over the piety and competence of leaders, as it sends detrimental signals to a nation in desperate need of effective leadership.
He particularly lamented that Vice President Shettima, being a respected figure in northern Muslim circles, had made such a regrettable statement.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need for Vice President Shettima to address and rectify his comments, reaffirming that the Tinubu administration should demonstrate its commitment to upholding the values that define the Nigerian nation.
It is crucial for Nigerians to reject the notion that the quality of faith holds no relevance in the selection of their leaders.
The NEF emphasized that leaders who previously emphasized their faith should not dismiss its significance when it conflicts with their own interests.
