The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has formally declared his intention to run for Senate President in the coming 10th National Assembly.
The lawmaker made his position official on Wednesday, after much speculation, when he spoke to pressmen in Abuja.
According to him, “My decision to contest for the position of Senate President would be largely determined by the position of the party (APC), and the fairness of such arrangements.
“The APC leadership did not take any position during the presidential primary election. Aspirants from all geopolitical zones participated in the exercise.
“Senators should be allowed to choose a competent person among them that has adequate legislative and managerial experiences to lead the Senate.
“Zoning may not lead to the emergence of the best person for the job, that is why the decision to choose the Senate presiding officers must be the sole responsibility of the senators.”
The lawmaker announced a 10-point agenda that he intends to implement if elected Senate President.
Ndume said, “We would amend and review existing tax laws to generate more income, block leakages and ensure transparency through open accountability with the full participation of all senators.
“We will protect and improve the welfare, rights and privileges of National Assembly workers.
“We will inculcate es-spirit de-corps in order to utilize the experiences of former members by engaging them as consultants to members and committees in order to tap from their experiences.
“We will set a timeline for confirmations, and passage of bills especially budgets and executive requests.
“The Constituency Development Bill will be passed to ensure transparency, equity, fairness, efficiency and effectiveness of constituency projects.”
