A socio-cultural group, under the auspices of Swing Nationalities of Nigeria (Umbrella of All Minorities in Nigeria) has called on the 8th National Assembly members to as a matter of equity and justice allow the minority ethnic group in the north central zone to produce the next Senate President so as to give the region a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project of the incoming administration of the APC led General Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Tarsoo Ade at a press conference said that there was a need to get a credible Senator to man the seat and that Sen. Akume was the most eligible for the position given his political pedigree.

He insisted that Akume as Senate Minority Leader in the 7th Assembly, gave the opposition a voice adding that it was only natural that he emerged as Senate President.

According to Ade, Senator Akume was very effective as Minority Leader in the Senate; thus, it is natural that the man who did well with little responsibility should be given higher responsibility. Besides, Senator Akume had proven to be a leader of impeccable character that has no religious or regional sentiment.

"Senator George Akume had single-handedly built the opposition in Benue State for several years, and eventually led the APC to overwhelming victory in the 2015 elections.

"One of the contenders for the Senate Presidency is Senator Bukola Saraki, who represents Kwara-Central senatorial district in the North-Central geopolitical zone, but belongs to the Hausa/Fulani, and the Yoruba blocks which already produced the President and Vice President respectively.

"Akume when compared with others jostling for the seat has the best leadership quality to compliment the President-elect Muhammadu Buhari in curbing the menace of corruption and insecurity bedeviling the nation," Ade explained.

He further appealed to the leadership of the APC and distinguished Senators-elect to look at Sen. George Akume on his personal incorruptible merits and his immense contributions to the party as well as goodwill to the people.

The group expressed confidence in the ability of Sen. Akume to provide effective and quality leadership in the upper chamber of the national assembly, adding that since Akume’s foray into partisan politics they have keenly monitored his activities and come to the conclusion that he is one of the few leaders Nigerians can entrust with leadership.

"We are convinced that the combination of George Akume as Senate president and General Muhammadu Buhari as the nation's president will bring about the positive change Nigerian masses are yearning for.