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NASS: Saraki Promises To Be Fair To All

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BUKOLA SARAKI EXPOSED (SERIES I)
BUKOLA SARAKI EXPOSED (SERIES I)

Teddy Oscar, Abuja

The long wait to the new leadership of the 8th National Assembly finally came on Tuesday, with the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, emerging the unopposed Senate President.

Saraki’s victory was courtesy of 57 senators-elect, who were present at the Chamber and returned him unopposed, after he was nominated by Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima from Zamfara West and was seconded by Senator Dino Melaye from Kogi West and Rufai.

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After the roll call by the Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Adedotun Durojaiye, the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, who had earlier read President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclamation letter for the 8th Assembly, observed that the 57 senators-elect had passed the required quorum of 38 senators.

In an unprecedented manner, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was re-elected as the DSP.

Ekweremadu, who beat off a challenge from Senator Ali Ndume, was nominated by Senator George Sekibo and seconded by Senator Olaka Nwogo.

In the contest that ensued, Ekweremadu pulled 54 votes, Ndume garnered 20 votes, while one senator absented.

Speaking, after whole exercise, Saraki promised to strive to be just, equitable and fair to all during his tenure.

Saraki assured that he and his colleagues are ultimately united by the common desire to entrench democracy and allow its principle guide their conducts, despite belonging to different parties.

While pledging to protect the independence of the legislature in the overall interest of our democracy, Saraki urged his colleagues not to let their quest for autonomy lead them into pursuing adverse relations with other arms of government.

“I am most honoured and privileged to be elected to serve as President of the Senate. I accept with humility and respect the honour you have conferred upon me today. I want to thank all members of the National Assembly for your maturity and patriotism in the exercise we had just concluded in electing the leadership of the 8th Senate.

“We have today demonstrated that even though we may belong to different parties, we are ultimately united by our common desire to entrench democracy and allow its principle guide our conducts. The change that our people voted for is a change from a life of poverty, misery to a life of prosperity, happiness, security and comfort, accountability and respect for democracy.

“This is a change that all of us in the National Assembly must strive to justify, Nigerians want to see a proactive National Assembly. As the President of the 8th Senate, I shall be guided by the enormity of the responsibilities that this moment imposes on all of us. I shall strive to be just, equitable and fair to all.

“It will be my responsibility to protect the independence of the legislature in the overall interest of our democracy, our quest for autonomy must not lead us into pursuing adverse relations with other arms of government,” he urged.

Saraki saluted President Muhammadu Buhari for remaining steadfast in his defense of the rights of the National Assembly to choose its own leaders, which had laid a solid foundation for the stability of the 8th National Assembly.

He also thanked former Senate President, Senator David Mark, for the uncommon leadership, which he had provided in the last eight years, which led to the stability of the Senate.

“Let me also thank all the other party leaders, who have strived to resolve all conflict, urging that the senators should now move forward with renewed confidence and support,” he added.

While reminding his colleagues of the job ahead, Saraki urged the new Senate to leave a legacy for the future generation to remember.

“My dear distinguished colleagues, we are entering at a time when a lot is being expected of us. Nigerians expect that the new Senate must make laws that will reform the oil sector, the security systems, diversify our economy, create jobs and make doing business in Nigeria more competitive.

“In the coming days, we shall be converging to hammer out an agenda that will help us focus and deliver on the minimum expectations. Distinguished senators, I seek your support and cooperation, and I offer myself to be fair to all, and ensure the unity of this chamber I have inherited from my predecessor a great landmark.

“May the future generation of citizens look upon the 8th National Assembly as a true assembly of our people’s representatives who did their best in the service of our nation. I congratulate ourselves for this great day and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our great nation,” he concluded.

The Senate, thereafter, adjourned to Wednesday, after a motion by Senator Ibrahim Gobiri.

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