“It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North-east.”

He said Ekiti Senators and leaders were together in respecting the sanctity of the party, and as such, they were in full support of Akpabio.

The PDP made a request for a live broadcast of the electoral tribunal proceedings, however, the respondents have not given an answer, saying they need time to respond.

They believe they deserve the position as their zone gave the APC 41% of the votes it needed to win the election.

He charged citizens to team up with Governor Adeleke to develop the state.

He said televising court proceedings is not alien to the court, and it will enhance public confidence.

However, a cross-section of senators-elect from different political parties rejected external influence in the election of presiding officers for the 10th National Assembly.

They accused the ruling party of marginalising the zone in the allocation of National Assembly leadership positions.

The dismissal was sequel to a formal withdrawal of the petition by the petitioners.

“The APC must rise above primordial and political interest and shun the winner takes all syndrome,” they warned.

“All senators-elect from North-west zone, except two, have thrown their weight behind the planned resistance and pledged to support a leader emerging from amongst themselves.”

“When he said he would deliver Rivers State to APC, I started wondering how. APC has never met 25 per cent in Rivers.  How can this man pull this magic?”

Obi maintained that Soyinka remains a respected Nigerian whose contributions to the nation’s growth must be highlighted by all and sundry.

They urged the judiciary to resist any form of intimidation.

The constitution and not anyone will determine the senate president, Yari says as Kazaure warns against imposition of speaker

The office of the SGF said the approved programme of events would be unveiled at a World Press Conference scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Findings also showed that the court stopped receiving replies from the petitioners on April 23.

He said rather, their push for a southern presidency in order to promote the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria within the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

“Despite some pockets of violence, we have demonstrated that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly.”

Barau, who also stepped down alongside Ndume, is to run as Deputy Senate President.