Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District, Jibrin Barau, has said each time there is an opportunity for the election of the Senate President in parliamentary settings, competence remains the most potent yardstick.

This, he said, shouldn’t be regulated by sentiments as the 10th Nigerian Senate inches towards the election of its principal officers.

Barau, a ranking senator, indicated his interest in contesting for the office of Senate President and said he is the most qualified among the returnee Senators and first-timers.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring his interest in contesting for the office of Senate President, the lawmaker urged his colleague to consider his competence rather than anything else.

“Do you now relegate competence to other sentiments?

“It doesn’t work on sentiments; it works on your ability to do the job." It is a tradition all over the world. It is there in our rules, and this rule is a product of our constitution.

“It is clearly in our Standing Rules too that aspiration or election to the office of Senate President shall be in accordance with ranking.

“And among those who are seeking to occupy that office as we speak, I am the highest-ranking Senator. "I'm the most experienced,” he claimed.

Barau explained that the person to be elected Senate President must be grounded in the parliamentary rules and procedures so as not to cause chaos during complex debates.

He promised to ensure that the interests of the nation are protected as Senate President.