SOUTHERN SENATORS’ FORUM RE-EMERGES

Southern Senators Forum, SSF, has taken its stand in the ongoing upheavals for secession across the country.

The Senate group that has been in oblivion reappeared yesterday.

There have been several upheavals in Nigeria, especially by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, for the update of Biafra.

SSF's activity was noted for the last time during the tenure of Ken Nnamani as President of the Senate, with Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the then president.

Senate minority leader Godswill Akpabio announced the resurgence of the forum after its meeting in the National Assembly Complex, saying that it was inevitable that the group would re-emerge and exist.

He said, “We must ensure that we take decisions that will enable us get closer to our people as we provide a shoulder they can lean on.

“We are alive to our responsibilities. It is not just to pass Bills. We will take on topical issues that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians like security and creation of employment.

“We will make Nigeria one,” Akpabio said.

Speaking further, Akpabio noted that there had always been the Northern Senators’ Forum, while the Southern Senators’ Forum just re-emerged in the 8 Senate.

He added, “When they take decisions from the North, we will also take decisions from the South and from there, we will have a united voice in order to consolidate on the unity of the country.”

The Minority leader disclosed that Sen. Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo) was Chairman of the forum, with Lanre Tejuosho as Vice Chairman.

Other members in the executive committee of the group are Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP-Abia), Publicity Secretary; Sen. Duro Fasheyi is the Auditor.

The only female member of the committee, Sen. Stella Oduah (PDP-Anambra), is the Welfare Officer.

Chairman of the group, Uzodinma, pointed out that the Southern Senators’ caucus would play vital role in strengthening the unity of Nigeria “going by the recent agitation by various sectional groups across the country.’’