Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the leader of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has called on the former Governor of Zamfara State and an aspirant for Senate President’s seat, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to concede the Senate President position to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate.

It would be recalled that the two senators, Kalu and Yari has been reported severally to be in a form of partnership in their quest for the top legislative position. In earlier reports, it was not clearly spelt out who, amongst the two former State Governors, was scheduled to be Senate President and who would be Deputy Senate President.

But while addressing some journalists in Kaduna on the matter, Shettima said: “We are happy with the strong partnership between the North and South in Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. We are aware they are yet to formally announce to Nigerians on who becomes the Senate President and who becomes the deputy.

“We are happy that the two are ready to accept the decisions between the two groups.

“We also know that Yari has an upper hand in the partnership since he has about 42 Senators while Kalu has about 27 senators making the partnership to have 69 Senators in their fold.

“But we are appealing to Yari to consider the future of the country in this critical time and accept the Deputy Senate President position. There is actually no difference between the Senate President and Deputy Senate President since the two are presiding officers.

“We only think that for religious balancing and for peace and unity of the country, the South East deserves to produce the Senate President.

“Senator Uzor Kalu is a detribalized Nigerian who has built relationships across all regions. He is very close with President Tinubu and his family. He is close to the North and the South-South.

“He would make a good Senate President because of his capacity, competence and experience. He is very peaceful and patient. It is only right that Yari considers this appeal and allow Kalu to be the Senate President in their joint ticket.

“The North will hold him in high esteem and would forever acknowledge his unwavering commitment to unity of the nation,” he said.

Photo Credit: The Sun