Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has named Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, senator representing Katsina central, as its new chair.

Yar’Adua took over the leadership of the forum following the resignation of Abdul Ningi, now suspended senator representing Bauchi central.

Ningi resigned from the position after the upper legislative chamber suspended him for three months for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.

In an acceptance speech on Thursday, Yar’Adua said he was humbled by the decision of the forum to name him as its chair.

The senator described Ningi as an “elder brother” whom he holds “in high esteem”.

“I wish to acknowledge and commend the decent outing and the contributions he made during his tenure,” Yar’Adua said.

“I am aware of the challenges facing the Northern region which include: security, agriculture, education, healthcare, drug abuse and human trafficking. Others are so numerous to mention

“The major objective of the Northern Forum is to promote the interest of Nigeria first followed by development of the North through collaboration with our distinguished colleagues from the South and cooperating with the executive arm of government to ensure that the challenges of the region are attended to.

“We shall therefore work in consultation with our distinguished colleagues to preserve the unity and progress of our dear nation.

“In advancing these noble objectives, I am committed to streamlined activities within the Northern Senators Forum. We shall operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity, upholding the trust placed on us by the electorate.

“Our legislative discourse will continue to be characterized by civility, dignity, and adherence to the rule of law as we fulfill our lawmaking, policy-making, and oversight functions.”

The younger brother of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua expressed confidence that collective efforts of the senators in the forum would lead to “positive change” in the north.

The Cable