A former Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Arise, has applauded the screening exercise for aspirants un – der the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on the on – going exercise, Arise stressed that what was being done was ideal to get the right persons to fly the flag of the party at different levels for integrity reasons.

Arise, who is vying to represent his District once again in the Red chamber, maintained that it was not surprising that certain persons were axed from contesting, hinging it on the fact that no responsible party will put forward persons of shady character to represent it in government.

He added that the party did the right thing by going further to set up an appeal panel to re-examine such cases for fairness and justice. Continuing, he expressed confidence that he would win the senatorial ticket based on his record of service.

He said: “Except for one or two persons who are against my aspiration, the entire Senatorial District is with me, “During my time in the senate, I brought un – precedented development to my Senatorial District, including a Federal Uni versity. “Those who took over after me are nowhere near my record, many years after leaving the senate.

“The roads leading to my Senatorial District are in bad condition, especially as you leave the Dongore axis in Kogi State. “Some people in the state government have been going around dropping the name of the governor whom we are backing for a second term, but the governor says he has no preferred candidate.