19th June, 2015
Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has urged other senators elected on the platform of his party, All Progressives Congress, APC, to close ranks and settle down to work.
Ashafa made the call in statement on on Thursday, in reaction to the senate inauguration fallout and how it affects the legislative body.
He pleaded with members of the APC Senators Unity Forum, the senators of Like Minds and other such caucuses in the 8th senate to collapse their structures and form a united, progressive front that will work with the new leadership of the red chamber for the overall interest of the Nigerian people.
Ashafa, who is serving a second term in the senate, is well known to be a bridge-builder amongst his colleagues.
“We have to realise that the hope of Nigerians are high. The new government has amassed a lot of political capital – having been elected as a result of the massive build-up of goodwill by our various candidates in the elections and the stark disenchantment with the previous administration.
“As a result, the goodwill of Nigerians must not be taken for granted. So, I make this call for one Nigeria and it starts with us – One Senate, united for the progress of our various constituents and translating change into policies and laws that will, in turn, yield tangible and beneficial results for everyone.”
Ashafa urged all party members with leanings to push aside their personal ambitions for now, noting that “whilst the party’s decision is binding on us all, we must see the bigger picture which is a progressive and united Nigeria.”
He said he will be devoted to pro-people policies and promised a re-invigorated approach to committee oversight functions upon resumption from the current recess embarked upon by the 8th senate.