More reactions have trailed the appointment of Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
Abdulrahman-Kawu, a member of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), represents the Kano-South Senatorial District.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, appointed Abdulrahman-Kawu to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away on July 26.
However, the appointment has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that a southerner should have been chosen to replace Ubah.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Chairman of Senate Services, Senator Karimi Sunday, defended the decision, describing it as strategic for both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing its potential future political advantages.
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He stated, “It’s not every time we should oppose decisions. Some actions, like this case, are strategic.
“Kano is in the opposition (NNPP), but it is a state that the APC wishes to control. By appointing an experienced NNPP member to chair the committee on downstream, the APC is making a move to woo the opposition in Kano and garner support for the party.
“This decision is beneficial for the ruling party and for the political goodwill of Mr. President.”
Sunday also argued that all zones, including the South-West, have received their fair share of committee appointments.
“No zone is marginalized as we speak,” he added.
Additionally, Sunday highlighted Abdulrahman-Kawu’s qualifications, noting his extensive legislative experience as a three-time former member of the House of Representatives, a former Minority Leader, and a former presidential aide.
“People should understand and appreciate that he brings a wealth of experience to the role. Beyond that, the decision of the Senate President carries political advantages that will benefit the APC in the long run,” he concluded.
