Suleiman Abdulmalik
People of all shades usually put themselves forward whenever vacancies exist for a post to be filled. That many potential aspirants are jostling for a particular office is not any offence because doing such is within their democratic and constitutional rights.
It is always the task of those who would eventually make a decision on who to pick to choose the best amongst the array of personalities showing desire to fill the gap to select the best and the suitable candidate for such using various sets of criteria to arrive at such a decision.
This is the scenario presenting itself before us as Nigerians as the whole is looking at members elected into the Senate as they sift through the profile of candidates seeking to be elected their leader in the forthcoming 10th Assembly.
No doubt the credentials of those coming forward for the post are very intimidating considering their individual past antecedence both in public and private life.
One candidate who from all available records of performance in public life towers above all others is Senator Osita Izunaso who many within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) see in positive light considering the pioneering work he has done in the formative years of the party as a member of the National Working Committee of the party, APC.
Suave and unassuming, the Imo State born federal lawmaker is reputed by many as someone who shun the klieg light. He loves to work behind the scenes hoping that the outcome of his efforts should do the talking for him and not rabble rousing, the stock in trade of most Nigerian politicians.
Gentle and urbane, Izunaso has over the years built bridges across, ethnic, political and religious divides over the years and this is expected to pay off for him as he throws his hat into the ring to challenge others for the plum job of the President of the Senate.
When the chips are down, it is expected that Izunaso’s aspiration which is hinged on equity, fairness and competence will eventually enjoy the necessary boost and support from all and sundry as it (his bid) will not just enjoy the support of the leadership of the party, it would also enjoy support across party lines.
From the looks of things, newly elected senators from the smaller parties won’t find it too difficult to support his bid should the leadership of the APC zones the office to the South East and which is expected, because of his unassuming nature and disposition as an individual.
Many members of the National Working Committee of the party, APC will even feel indebted to him for the services he had offered to the party especially in the South East and across the country when many people in the region saw the party as pariah. He stood his grounds by supporting the APC against all odds and work tirelessly for the Tinubu/Shettima emergence.
This fact makes him the best materials for the office from the South East as many stalwarts of the APC in the region seem to be very much at home with his bid which has assumed some of a project that must be assumed.
The APC does not need to look further for the right person to lead the Senate than look towards the direction of Izunaso, the bridge builder and loyal party member with simple and humane disposition to life and issues.