The PDP Action 2023, a political pressure group, says ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal is fit to be the Senate minority leader, cautioning Senate President Godswill Akpabio against meddlesomeness.

In a statement on Sunday, the chairman of the group, Rufus Omeire, said Mr Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto) “has shown himself to be a team player and a responsible and sophisticated leader with bright ideas on the development of the Nigerian nation.”

Responding to allegations that the former Sokoto governor is a PDP betrayer, the group insisted that Mr Tambuwal “didn’t betray the PDP or the nation in his eight years as Sokoto state governor” and that his “colleagues trusted him with the leadership of the PDP Governors Forum.”

It added, “An office he handled with distinction and aplomb. In fact, at a time, the forum became the only true voice of constructive opposition in Nigeria, always proffering workable solutions to Nigerian problems. Did he betray PDP, then? Of course, not.”

The group reasoned that as a former speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tambuwal “has the ranking and qualifications” to become the minority leader of the 10th Senate.

“Tambuwal is a parliamentarian par excellence. A strong defender of the prerogatives and institution of the legislature. A strong and tested advocate of the independence of the legislature and a strong believer in combining this independence with a constructive role to ensure deliverance of democratic windfalls for the people,” said the statement.

It urged Mr Akpabio not to meddle in who would emerge as minority leader of the Red Chamber, telling him to concentrate on delivering sound legislation and good policies to ensure good governance in Nigeria.

(NAN)