The South-South Solidarity Group (SSSG) has appealed to ex-Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Senator Osita Izunaso to step down for Godswill Akpabio for the seat of the Senate Presidency.

Addressing journalists on Saturday in Abuja, the Convener of the Group, Peter Ikpen Ilefa, said anything short of stepping down would mean disrespect to President Bola Tinubu, who they said is determined to serve Nigeria by building a team he feels will complement his drive for a better and prosperous Nigeria.

“South-South Solidarity Group agrees that it is within the rights of senators to seek the leadership of the house irrespective of the zone, culture, or religious affiliation a senator may be affiliated with.

But for the purpose of National Solidarity, we call on Senators Yari, Orji, and Osita to step down and support the consensus candidate of the APC in the interest of peace and respect for the Leadership of the party led by Mr President.

Today is the turn of Akpabio and Barau; tomorrow could be the turn of any of them, and we will still be here to lend our onerous voice. Anything short of stepping down would mean flagrant disrespect to Mr President, who is determined to serve Nigeria by building a team he feels will complement his drive for a better and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

He said over the years, both Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau have shown the world unrivalled capacity for being superlative leaders. “Growing through the ranks of politics in Nigeria, Senator Akpabio has demonstrated immense competence in the management of human affairs, and this, he is bringing on board his leadership of the 10^thSenate,” he said.

Furthermore, he urged the Senators-elect not to sell their votes during the process to select new principal officers for the Red Chamber.

“We have the unwavering confidence that Nigeria, with President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio leading their separate arms of government, will, in no time, be exited from the woods of backwardness in the comity of nations,” Ilefa added.

The group also commended President Tinubu for appointing Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff and the appointment of George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

SSSG also backed the decision of the Federal Government to remove the Fuel Subsidy and also appealed to the President to attend more seriously to the issues of increasing the minimum wage and providing palliatives to Nigerians as a means to cushion the effect of the hardship Nigerians are going through currently. (Saturday Tribune)