Senator Abdul’aziz Yari has advised that religious, tribal and ethnic sentiments should not matter in the choice of the President of the Senate of the in-coming 10th National Assembly.

Mr Yari, Zamfara West senator-elect, gave the advice in his congratulatory message to the 109 senators-elect from the 36 states of the federation on Saturday in Abuja.

Speaking on the desired characteristics of the next Senate leadership, Mr Yari said the incoming Assembly needed a Senate President that was compassionate, honest, fair-minded and result driven.

“The division among Nigerians resulting from religious, tribal and ethnic sentiments is a narrative we must all work together to change for the country to move forward.

“You must all think up ways to work towards building a better and united country to make it safe for all,” Mr Yari, who is among those aspiring to be the next President of the Senate, said.

He added that the senators-elect should see the voyage they were embarking on as a journey for the unification of Nigeria and an opportunity to rebuild the country in the interest of all.

The former two term governor of Zamfara charged the lawmakers to use the opportunity of their election to partner Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, in achieving the economic agenda of the country.

This, he said, was critical in ensuring human capital and infrastructural development of the country.

He also charged the senators-elect to strive to ensure a smooth relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary.

“As I continue to consult on my aspiration to serve you as your President of the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem,” Mr Yari said.

(NAN)