Does the name Yar’Adua sound familiar?
Who can forget the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, the promising leader of Nigeria who passed away while in office in 2010?
No, this isn’t him. He hasn’t risen from the grave.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District, is the younger brother of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, and he has been appointed as the new chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
His appointment follows two days after the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who was suspended over his statement concerning alleged budget padding.
Although budget padding is not a new issue in Nigeria, it’s the first time a serving senator who actively participated in the passage of the budget has accused fellow lawmakers of such actions.
The forum also designated Senator Tahir Mungono, representing Borno North, as its spokesperson, replacing Senator Sumaila Kawu, who was cautioned by the Senate to refrain from sharing posts that could incite unrest in the country.
The 19 Northern Senators have distanced themselves from Ningi, asserting that they do not agree with his allegations. They have also reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This position was communicated in a statement signed by eight members of the senators’ forum, including the newly appointed chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.