Senator Mohammed Musa Sani of the Niger-East Senatorial District has said that he would be willing to drop his ambition for the Senate President if a competent person presents himself for the position in the National Assembly. Sani made this known during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show program on Monday.
Speaking on the issue of religion in politics, Sani emphasized his belief in the secularity of Nigeria, stating that there should be a balance between Christians and Muslims in the country. He also highlighted the importance of peaceful co-existence and unity in the country, pointing out that we have lived together for so long.
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He said, “For the exigencies of our time, looking at the volatile situation of what has generated the Muslim-Muslim ticket in this country, I am one person that believes in the secularity of one Nigeria. I am one person that believes that, for every reason, there should be a give and take in this country. We have lived with both Christians and Muslims. Some of us still have relatives that are still Christians and Muslims. We have lived in a society where there’s intermarriage; we have lived for so long. Our forefathers envisaged a country where we would all live together.”
Senator Sani emphasized his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of Nigeria, stating that there is no commitment or sacrifice too great to keep the unity of the country. He highlighted the position of Deputy Senate President as an alternative position that he would be willing to occupy if it’s in the best interest of Nigerians and the zone he represents.
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He said, “I will not have any problem seeing a qualified, competent personality like me in the Senate who has also presented himself for the office of the Senate President and asked me please to drop my ambition for him; I will do it. There’s a position of Deputy Senate President, which also is a presiding officer in the National Assembly. I will be willing to do it if it’s going to be in the best interest of Nigerians; it’s going to be in the best interest of the zone I am going to represent. There’s no commitment or sacrifice too much to make to keep the unity this country deserves.”
This statement by Senator Sani has generated reactions from stakeholders across the country. While some have commended his stance on national unity, others have criticized him for toeing the line of the status quo and not fighting for what he believes.
Reacting to Sani’s statement, a former Senator from the Niger State, Zainab Kure, said that it’s time for the North to produce the Senate President. She stated that the position of Senate President is critical, and it would be unfair for another zone to occupy it.
Kure said, “Senator Sani is entitled to his opinion, but the truth is that the position of the Senate President is very important. It is a position that should be occupied by someone competent and capable of leading the Senate in the right direction. The North should produce the Senate President. That’s the only way to ensure that we have fairness and equity in the country.”
In contrast, the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has said that Senator Sani’s statement is a welcome development. Clark emphasized the need for leaders who are willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the country, saying that Nigeria needs more leaders like Sani.
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He said, “Senator Sani’s statement is a welcome development. It shows that there are still leaders who are willing to put the greater good of the country first. Nigeria needs more leaders like him. The position of Senate President should be occupied by someone competent and capable, irrespective of their religion or tribe.”
In conclusion, Senator Mohammed Musa Sani’s statement on dropping his ambition for Senate President if a competent candidate from his region presents himself has generated reactions from across the country. While some have supported his stance on national unity, others have criticized him for not standing up for what he believes. Nonetheless, this statement highlights the critical importance of fairness, equity, and national unity in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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The Nigerians are looking forward to seeing competent leaders willing to put the country first and lead Nigeria to the path of growth and prosperity.
