From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
National Assembly (NASS) caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Niger State have visited the state Governor, Abubakar Bello to canvas support for Senator Mohammed Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District (Zone B) for the National Chairmanship position of the party.
In his remark, Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central Zone, Abubakar Bello hailed the caucus for the visit, explaining that the last few days have been disturbing, considering the boldness being exhibited by terrorists in some parts of the state.
Governor Bello also expressed delight over the aspiration of the lawmaker, whom he described as a friend and brother, noting that with about six aspirants from the North Central, the zone is obviously prepared to produce the national chairman of the ruling party.
He said, as a leader in the North Central states, he was open to all aspirants, especially from the zone.
The governor commended the caucus for the unity amongst them and solidarity for Sen. Musa.
“As a chairman, a responsibility bestowed on me by my colleagues, am open to everyone from the North Central.
“I can not be seen as openly disregarding some, but of course your own is your own and pulling this crowd makes a statement,” he said.
He however, said the APC governors are concerned about the many aspirants for the top position of the party at the national level, saying, plans are underway to ensure the situation is managed to the satisfaction of all.
The governor assured the senator of his support to achieve his desire as it was for the good of the party, state, zone and country believing that the lawmaker would provide purposeful leadership that will give the party a good direction.
Speaking earlier, leading the delegation, Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi who presented Sen. Musa to the governor at the Government House, Minna said their visit was to first commiserate with the governor over the recent attacks by terrorists in some parts of the state. He assured him that he is not alone in it as they will not relent in giving their support, particularly at the National Assembly so as to ensure the situation is addressed.
Sen. Sabi further said their coming was also to present and intimate the governor on the aspiration of their colleague, Senator Sani Musa, seek his support, as well as have him lead in the actualisation of the senator’s ambition.
He told the governor that they had duly notified the leadership of the party at the state level and were assured of all the needed support.
The APC chairmanship aspirant Sen. Musa stated that his desire to contest for the national chairmanship position is to ensure the party becomes an institution where leaders are groomed and leaders will in turn come up with ideologies to take the party to greater heights.
According to the lawmaker, APC, being the largest political party in Africa, must have leadership that is coherent to ensure good governance in the country.
While calling for discipline and tolerance among members of the party, Sen. Musa said he is not worried by the array of contestants for the top position of the ruling party.
Also speaking to journalists, House of Representatives Member representing Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency, Saidu Abdullahi said Sen. Musa has demonstrated capacity to lead the party at the national level, pointing out that if given the opportunity, the lawmaker has the wherewithal to advance the party.
Similarly, the state APC Chairman, Haliru Jikantoro said, Sen. Musa is the only one that has officially intimated the party at the state level of his aspiration, promising that they will accord him the necessary support.