Southern Senators Forum elects leaders, backs unity of Nigeria, Lawan

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

Senators from the southern part of the country under the aegis of the
Southern Senators Forum (SSF) on Wednesday elected new leadership to run its affairs in the Senate.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) is the new chairman while senators Stella Oduah (PDP, Anambra North) and Mathew Uroghide (PDP, Edo) are vice chairman and secretary-general, respectively.

Other executive officers of the Forum are; Senator Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Lagos West) – Treasurer; Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North) – Publicity Secretary; and Senator Degi Eremienyo (APC, Bayelsa East) as Financial Secretary.

Briefing journalists after the over two hours meeting inside the National Assembly, Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege said the new officers will pilot the affairs of the Forum and represents the interest of southern senators in the parliamentary affairs of the 9th Senate.

According to Omo – Agege, the Forum will defend the mandate of the parliament in fostering the unity of the country.

He said the southern senators are united in purpose and intent with their northern counterparts in legislating on issues that further strengthen the unity of Nigeria’ as one indivisible entity.

Omo-Agege said the Forum agreed to be united behind the leadership of the 9th Senate under Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The Forum chairman Senator Bamidele said on behalf of other exco members, they appreciate the honour bestowed on them by their fellow Senators as they will hold the position in trust and as well be at their best to be able to manage the unity of the Senate.

He said, “We also look forward to working to further strengthen the leadership of the Senate itself while also providing a voice for the people we are here to represent and also doing all we can to ensure that the unity of Nigeria that we are all looking to strengthen.”