By Teniola Ibidunni
South West media group under the aegis of South West Media Stakeholders, has expressed their support to the aspirations of Senator Osita Izunaso as Senate President for the 10th Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
Describing his aspirations as the much-needed ‘Balm of Gilead’, to douse the general tension in the South East, the South West veteran journalists, said he has all the sterling qualities needed to preside over the affairs of the 10th Senate as President.
L-R – Mr Victor Oluwadamilare, former NUJ Chairman, Oyo state council, Mr Kolawole Ilori, Co-Founder, Tell Magazine n Mrs Bose Oyewole, addressing newsmen on behalf of the group.
Izunazo, (APC – Imo West) is contestng the seat with Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is the preferred candidate of the All Prograssives Congress (APC) , Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Abdulazis Yari.
Addressing a news conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Saturday, some members of the group, said, “we owe it a duty as the Conscience of the Nation, to guide our distinguished Senators right in choosing their leadership for the sake of Nigeria and our democracy.”
Present at the news conference are: Mr Kolawole Ilori, Co-founder of Tell Magazine and Chief Executive Officer, Midas Media Hub International, Mr Victor Oluwadamilare, Former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council and Mrs Bose Oyewole, Former Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ).
The inauguration of the 10th National Assembly is fixed for Tuesday, June 13.
“To us, the best man for the job of Senate President at this time is Senator Osita Izunazo’
“The leadership of the Senate has to be anchored by a sound Senator, who has a high pedigree with an unblemished record in terms of selfless service to fatherland, nationalism, patriotism and more importantly probity and accountability.
“Of all those jostling for the seat, Izunaso remains a shining example of competence, honesty, probity and character.”
Ilori, who spoke on behalf of the veterans, said, “in terms of cognate experience, Izunaso stands shoulder high over others, when his parliamentary experience and exposure, are put in perspective.
“Izunaso remains the most credible Sceptre of Unity and Symbol of Cohesion, on the national stage, if the current division and mistrust are anything to go by.
“Aside from the geo-political zone argument, Izunaso remains the most consistent and reliable party faithful over the years, the rare credential none of his opponents could boast of”
“He is the cleanest man for the job, who has a clean bill of probity from the anti-graft agencies, well educated, grounded in public service rules and well versed in National Assembly key procedures and politics that surround the political power play.
“His candidature would not only be groundbreaking, but the most ideal compromise choice to establish a làsting mutual relationship between the Legislature and the Executive, for the betterment of Nigeria and her people”
“His strength of character and dynamism are the essential ingredients the 10th National Assembly would require to galvanize, all the political tendencies, for a prosperous Nigeria.
“Izunaso’s bridge -building abilities and capabilities, across political divides and geo-political zones tower above his closest rivals for the position.”
The group expressed confidence in Izunaso capacity and leadership acumen to lead effectively and give the APC-led federal government the identity it deserves.
The group maintained that Senator Osita Izunaso needs no introduction, having been a long time practising journalists with an unprecedented performance “still ringing loudly within and outside the media world.
“From the above, and for the sake of justice, equity and fair play, it is imperative that Senator Osita Izunaso, is the rightful person by experience, capacity and leadership prowess to take up the exalted position,”the veterans submitted.