Southern Senators Forum ‘ll promote unity, equity – Uzodimma

From Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja

Newly-elected chairman of Southern Senators Forum (SSF), Hope Uzodimma has assured that the group will not take partisan positions on issues which border on the unity and progress of the nation.
He explained that it will will focus on the promotion of national unity and equitable distribution of values.
Uzodimma, in an interview with Correspondents, in Abuja, yesterday, also thanked his colleagues for the demonstration of confidence in him by electing him their chairman saying he was humbled by such rare bi—partisan solidarity and confidence.
Explaining further on what will constitute the main driving force of the forum, the Imo-west Senator who is also chairman, Senate Committee on Customs Exciseand Tariffs, emphasized that the main focus will be for them to speak with one voice in fostering the ideals that can promote national unity in an equitable Nigeria.
According to him, all the Southern Senators are in agreement on these broad objectives. “We are working in one accord. As you know the forum is bi-partisan, so we are not partisan. We are going to work for the Unity of the country and the well-being of our people. I think that is the bottom line. As a bi-partisan forum we shall rally support for the government to ensure that there is equitable distribution of values” he said.
Uzodimma said he sees himself as the servant of the forum who does not have all the answers, and promised to work with all the members to galvanize ideas that can enhance unity in the country and ensure equity for all citizens.
On how the forum will go about achieving this goal, the chairman said they will consult regularly with relevant stakeholders in the South and the government to ensure that the good intentions of citizens are given vent in government policies and programmes and when necessary through legislation.
On the position of the forum on some of separatist agitations coming from some parts of the South, he assured that the forum will not support any agenda that will lead to the breakup of the country because, according to him, a united Nigeria is in the best interest of all sections of the country. But he added that equity and justice must be the bedrock of national unity.
Uzodimma said the forum will soon meet to develop a clear road map for its activities and added, “I will work closely with my colleagues on every issue. I am just one man and I am not the most intelligent or the strongest, yet my colleagues reposed confidence in me as their chairman. So, I will work together with them and we shall soon come out with clear roadmap for our activities.”