Media professionals under the aegis of South West Media Stakeholders, have said, Senator Osita Izunaso, is the best candidate for the position of Senate President in the 10th National Assembly that will be inaugurated on Tuesday.
They made this known at a world press conference held on Saturday, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Some of the media gurus present at the press conference included the founding Editor of Tell magazine, Mr. Kolawole Ilori; former Chairman, Oyo State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare and former Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, Mrs. Bose Oyewole .
Ilori while addressing journalists, said Osita Isanuzo, a lawmaker representing Imo West Senatorial District, remains a shining example of competence, honesty, probity and character stressing that in terms of cognate experience, he stands shoulder high over others, when his parliamentary experience and exposure are put in perspective.
According to him, the quality of the National Assembly headed by the Senate President would go a long way to determine the sociological outlook of the country on one hand, and it also determines the ratings of Nigeria on the global stage, stating that this explains why the leadership of the Senate has to be anchored by a sound Senator who has a high pedigree with an unblemished record in terms of selfless service to fatherland, nationalism, patriotism and more importantly, probity and accountability.
He said, “With the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly fixed for coming Tuesday, 13 June, 2003, we owe it a duty as the Conscience of the Nation, to guide our distinguished Senators right in choosing their leadership for the sake of Nigeria and our democracy. To us, the best man for the job of Senate President at this time is Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunazo.
” The personality of the occupant of the office of the Senate President goes a long way in the global recognition of the office and by extension the recognition of Nigeria at global level. Even at the domestic level, the people’s expectations of the performance of the National Assembly are also dependent on the quality of the leadership of the National Assembly.
” For good governance to endure in Nigeria, the media must necessarily has a voice of it’s own in the scheme of things in the country. However, certain pertinent questions need to be asked, In the first place, should Senate President be given to somebody who has a history of criminality just because he is a ‘good man’? The answer is No! Also, should such an exalted position be occupied by a person with history of stealing and diversion of public funds into his private businesses, which makes him to be lacking in trust, probity and accountability? Absolutely No!
“Izunaso is the cleanest man for the job, who has a clean bill of probity from the anti-graft agencies. He has no corruption charges, despite his long years of public service and he’s not being hounded like his opponents.”
Ilori then urged members of the 10th Senate to as a matter of responsibility consider the antecedents of those vying for the position of the Senate President before making their decisions.
“Izunaso remains the most credible Sceptre of Unity and Symbol of Cohesion, on the national stage, if the current division and mistrust are anything to go by.
“Aside from the geo-political zone argument, Izunaso remains the most consistent and reliable party faithful over the years, the rare credential none of his opponents could boast of.
“Izunaso’s strength of character and dynamism are the essential ingredients the 10th National Assembly would require to galvanize, all the political tendencies, for a prosperous Nigeria.
“Izunaso is well educated, well grounded in public service rules and well versed in National Assembly key procedures and politics that surround the political power play.
“Izunaso’s candidature would not only be groundbreaking, but the most ideal compromise choice to establish a làsting mutual relationship between the Legislature and the Executive, for the betterment of Nigeria and her people”, Ilori added.
