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Tag: Dr Bukola Saraki

  • Saraki visits victims of Lafia gas explosion

    …says PMB has failed on security

     

     

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Monday suspended his political activity in Lafia to visit the victims of gas explosion which claimed lives and properties worth millions.

    Senator Bukola Saraki who was in the state in furtherance to his consultations to pick the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) presidential ticket for the 2019 presidential election also condoled with the government and people of Nasarawa state.

    The presidential aspirant cut short his visit and went to Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia where the victims of the fire incident were taken to for treatment before they were eventually transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and national hospital, Abuja.

    He said it is rather unfortunate that the country is losing people who can add value to development of the country and expressed sadness that some of them they are no more.

    The senate president however stated that as a government and a concerned citizen, “We will ensure security of lives and property through provision of basic infrastructure and amenities that can forestall incidences as ugly as the one we have just witnessed”.

    “I want to stress hear that there is no amount of politics that should undermine the lives of fellow Nigerians,” he said.

    While addressing a large crowed of PDP supporters at the party secretariat, the senate president said it is time for the north central to also occupy the presidency of the country having supported other zones in the past.

    He said, the reason for his seeking to be elected as the president of the country was the failure of President Buhari to address the security and poverty challenges Nigerians are going through.

    He said that as a man who is from the north central, he is solidly behind the development of the region and the country at large.

  • Saraki heads 85-member PDP’s Osun campaign council

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki is heading an 85-member campaign council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 22 governorship election in Osun State.

    All the party’s serving governors and presidential aspirants are also members of the council. The council, which was inaugurated in Abuja Monday by the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has since resumed work.

    Read Also:Crisis rocks Imo PDP over alleged alteration of delegate list

    Secondus, while inaugurating the team, described election rigging and vote buying as the worst forms of corruption, warning that the PDP would not tolerate the charade.

    The party chair recalled that the July 14, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State was marred by vote buying and election rigging and warned that the Ekiti experience must not be allowed to happen in Osun.

    Secondus said, “Enough is enough, PDP will not tolerate Osun being rigged like Ekiti. We have a popular candidate and the performance of the APC ruling government has been awful with months of salaries owed to workers.

    “We are aware that the electoral commission that is supposed to operate as an unbiased umpire in the conduct of elections has suddenly made itself a parastatal of the federal government, conniving with APC and security agencies to exchange results.

    “Even security agencies whose allegiance should be to the constitution and people of Nigeria, have allowed themselves to behave as if they are operatives of the ruling APC.

    “We decided to set up this high powered committee to demonstrate the importance we attach to this election. All our presidential aspirants and some state governors are members, plus all other critical stakeholders from South West and other parts of the country”.

    The party chairman implored lovers of democracy around the world to show more than passing interest in the Osun State governorship election, saying that the APC is not disposed to conducting free and fair election.

    In his remarks, Saraki charged President Muhammadu Buhari to stand on the commitment he made recently to two world leaders that visited the country recently; that he would conduct free, fair and credible election, with Osun as example.

    Saraki said that aside the popularity of the PDP candidate in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the people of the state were yearning for change to return their state to the PDP.

  • Plots to remove Saraki, Ekweremadu will fail – PDP

    The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency to stop dreaming of removing the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Describing such move as delusion, the opposition party said it was high time the ruling party and its agents came to terms with the reality that they lacked the constitutional backing to remove or call for the resignation of the two lawmakers.

    Read Also:Oshiomhole: Saraki will be impeached legally

    In a statement on Friday by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party accused the ruling party of applying underhand tactics to oust Saraki and Ekweremadu.

    The opposition party insisted that the APC and its agents staged last Tuesday’s invasion of the National Assembly by armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS)

    Two-thirds majority of 73 of the 109 senators is required to impeach Saraki who last week, defected from the APC to the PDP. The same number is required for the removal of Ekweremadu.

    Buttressing its allegation of complicity of the leadership other APC in the botched invasion of the federal legislature, the PDP said it was designed to remove the two officers through the back door.

    The statement said, “Even before then, Nigerians were already aware of moves to use humongous funds to induce lawmakers to trigger crisis in the National Assembly and pave the way for the removal of presiding officers.

    “Now that they have discovered that there is no way they can achieve their devious intentions, they have commenced a war of blackmail, distortions of fact and media trial against the Senate leadership, which, of course, will end up as another wasteful venture as Nigerians are aware of the long-drawn desperation of the Buhari Presidency to annex the legislature.

    “Even among the ranks of the depleted APC senators and members of the House of Representatives, there is a huge aversion to the underhand tactics being deployed by the Buhari Presidency and the APC to force out duly elected presiding officers of the National Assembly.

    “As such, such lawmakers are fully aligned with Nigerians, the PDP and the National Assembly leadership in the protection of the independence, sanctity and integrity of our parliament and all democratic institutions in our land.

    “It is therefore instructive for both the Buhari Presidency and the APC to know that there is no way they can remove the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate.

    “Consequently,  the PDP cautions the Buhari Presidency and the APC to stop overheating the polity with their outbursts and shed future perverse attempts to circumvent our rules and constitution, as such will not help them or change the resolve of Nigerians to vote them out in 2019”.

  • Boroffice to Saraki: Resign honourably

    The Senator representing Ondo North District at the Upper Chamber, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice on Saturday urged the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to resign his position honourably or be booted out.

    According to him, he should do the needful since the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has majority lawmakers in the senate.

    The chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology lamented that the senate under Saraki had been most turbulent and crisis-ridden for the past three years.

    Read Also:Defection: Saraki has stepped on banana peel–Senator Adamu

    Boroffice noted that the Senate frosty relationship between the executive and legislature should not have been if not because of Saraki’s opposition to the executive since inception of Buhari’s led Administration in the country, because of ulterior motive.

    The Asiwaju of Akoko spoke with reporters in Akungba, Akoko South West local Area of Ondo state shortly after laying the foundation of model basic science laboratories in the university town.

    The Senator maintained that if Saraki declined to relinquish his position honourably, APC Senators will do the needful.

    He however assured that the defection of Saraki and others would not have any impact on Buhari’s victory in 2019 general elections.

    The lawmaker explained that they left APC because they were not comfortable with anti-graft crusade of unimaginable corruption, realising that most of them would soon be exposed to Nigerians that they are corrupt elements.

    He extolled President Muhammadu Buhari for his courage to tackle the menace in spite of loud criticisms.

  • Resign now, Yoruba youths tell Saraki

    A group, Yoruba Youths Congress (YYC) Friday urged the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to resign his position having defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Speaking to reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, its National President, Prince Dapo Adepoju who is also the Chairman, Coalition of Southwest youths  said it will be immoral for  Saraki to continue as President of the Nigerian senate with his defection from the ruling party to the opposition.

    Read Also:Buhari tells Saraki, other defectors: you’re bad eggs

    The youth leader noted with dismay the undue opportunities granted politicians to take the electorate for granted in their actions.

    According to him, since the APC has majority members in the upper chamber, the minority PDP cannot lead the majority.

    He said; “Our call is to ensure that the national assembly is peaceful, the situation whereby 109 senators will set Nigeria ablaze because of their selfish interest will not be acceptable by the Nigerian youths.

    “The activities of the 8th assembly under Saraki has been retrogressive, in fact the present National Assembly is the most politicized senate since we returned to democratic rule in 1999”.

    Adepoju emphasised that the 2019 polls will not be determined by politicians but the electorate who are mostly youths.

    He also cautioned the leadership of the APC not to victimise any personality that defected to another party since partisan politics is free entry and exit.

    He also called on the leadership of the Senate to as a matter of urgency reconvene for parliamentary business in the interest of Nigerians.

     

  • Plateau killings: Saraki urges collective effort to tackle menace

    Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has stated that working towards peace in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole, must remain the primary responsibility of every Nigerian.

    Saraki, in a statement on Wednesday signed by his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, was quoted to have stated this during a condolence visit to Plateau State, over Sunday’s killings of over 100 Plateau villagers.

    The statement added that Saraki, who had earlier in the day, met with President Muhammadu Buhari, together with Speaker Yakubu Dogara, was received by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, at the Plateau State Government House.

    Saraki was quoted to have said, “Let me convey my deepest sympathy for the unfortunate and sad incident that occurred in Plateau State this weekend that claimed many innocent lives. This is not only a loss to Plateau State, but to the entire nation.

    “Although the National Assembly is currently not in session, when we resume next week, this is one of the prime issues that will be up for discussion. However, we thought it necessary to come here personally to meet with the people of Plateau State to commiserate with the families — because words cannot really describe this kind of pain.

    “Our prayer to Almighty God is to grant the affected families the fortitude to bear these losses. At this time as well, I also pray to God to give His Excellency, the Governor, the courage to be able to manage this challenge and bring solace to a lot of people”.

    Read Also:Atiku, Turaki knock Fed Govt over Plateau killings

    The President of the Senate also stated that this was a very difficult time for Plateau State, however, the entire nation stands with Plateau during this difficult time.

    “This is a very difficult time for Plateau State. However, I want to reassure you that the entire country is with you and the entire National Assembly stands with you.

    “We were late in coming here because both myself and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives sought an appointment with Mr. President on the killings that occurred here — to see how we would come together to see what could be done to forestall and prevent future occurrences like this and provide relief and support for all those that have been affected. This is our paramount responsibility. Whatever that needs to be done, must be done,” he said.

    The President of the Senate was also quoted to have called on the nation’s security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are quickly apprehended to help bring an end to the killings in Plateau State.

    It continued, “We must also ensure that all those who are responsible for these killings must account for it. It is part of providing succour and ensuring the peace. You cannot bring back the lives, but finding and prosecuting the perpetrators will go a long way in helping to calm people and ease the pain that they are going through.

    “Therefore, yet again, we call on our security agents to ensure that they find the perpetrators that have done this and make them account for their detestable actions.

    “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to everyone, to the entire people of Plateau State: Nobody wins from this. Nobody. These killings from today sets the clock back many years, therefore, I want to appeal to the entire people of Plateau State, the elderly, the young, the men and the women, to ensure that we work towards peace.

    “Working towards peace is not only the responsibility of the Governor or the traditional rulers in the state. It is incumbent on everyone. Working towards peace is not Simon Lalong’s problem alone.”

    Governor Lalong was said to have commended the President of the Senate and the Senate delegation saying for the visit.

    The statement quoted the governor to have told Saraki, “As the leader of the North Central, we welcome you to our state. When this thing started, as the leader of our geopolitical region, you looked for me and you called me, despite your busy schedule to ask me what you could do to help.

    “On behalf of the good people of Plateau State, I thank you and the Senate delegation for being here. This is because you are not only here representing yourselves; you are here representing the entire National Assembly”.

  • Saraki, Atiku seek prayer for Nigeria’s unity

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have urged Muslims to pray continuous unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

    Saraki said: “The commencement of fasting has yet provided us with rare and unique opportunity to fervently pray over the security situation of the country and call on Allah to help us restore sanity and love among our country men and women.

    “Nigerians, Muslims in particular, should make use of this opportunity to pray for the end of insecurity and other violent crimes threatening our existence both as a people and nation.”

    He noted that Ramadan was a unique and special period for Muslims around the world to renew their faith in Allah, deepen their worship and practicalise the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their daily lives.

    “May Almighty Allah be praised for another unique opportunity to fast and pray in obedience to the dictates of the Holy Quran, which is to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam, through family and congregational prayers, sharing of Iftar meals and being generous to the less fortunate around us.

    “Apart from being a time to assist the weak, vulnerable and less fortunate among us, let us utilise this period to pray for continuous peace and unity in the country because with Allah’s help all our individual and national challenges are surmountable,” he said.

    Saraki urged all Muslims to strictly observe the injunctions of the Holy Quran as they pertain to their conduct and personal disposition during the holy month to benefit maximally from the fasting exercise.

    His deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, expressed worries over the incessant killings across the country and urged them to pray for divine help for Nigeria.

    “The killings are quite disturbing. We have never had it so bad in peace time. Therefore, while the security agencies do their best to end the carnage, I also call on our Muslim brethren to fast and pray fervently in this holy month of Ramadan for divine intervention in the security and stability of the country.

    “I urge sober reflection towards true national reconciliation, peace, unity, and justice to enable our nation to make a meaningful progress”.

    Ekweremadu wished the Muslim Umah a rewarding holy month of Ramadan.

    Atiku, who described Ramadan as period of recompense, piety and separation from

    sin, said Muslims must be ready to sacrifice and pray to Almighty Allah who made Ramadan a blessing for them.

    He added that the holy month of Ramadan was an avenue for every Muslim to reflect on the past, with a view to seeking forgiveness from Allah.

    He admonished Muslims to manifest the spirit of love, oneness, charity, reflection, obedience and other tenets of Islam during and after the Ramadan.

    He noted that “the 29 or 30 days of fasting should be dedicated to moving closer to Allah. We all have to pray for the progress and economic recovery of the nation.

    “As a Muslim, I believe so much in prayers, especially the ones offered during Ramadan because this is a period of purification when a Muslim is expected to, more than ever before, show piety in all areas of life.

    “So, any prayer offered at such period is always acceptable as the Almighty Allah is merciful and benevolent.”

    Abubakar wished Nigerian Muslims a fruitful Ramadan and appealed to them to imbibe honesty, love and peace during the period and beyond.

  • Senate may pass 2018 budget Thursday

    Report of the 2018 budget has been finally laid in the Senate.

    Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Sen Mohammed Danjuma Goje moved the motion for the Senate to receive the report.

    Senator Mathew Urhoghide seconded the motion. The 2018 budget may be passed on Thursday if the promise of the Senate Leadership is any thing to go by.

    The Senate and House of Representatives had promised to pass the budget on April 24, but failed to do so.

    There were equally assurances that the budget would be passed in the first week of May but it was not passed.

    The Senate had on several occasions accused Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of not keeping to appointments with the various standing committees to defend their budgets.

    Read Also: Senate receives report on 2018 Budget today

    Subsequently, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on April 12, mandated the Appropriation Committee to tidy up reports on the budget latest by April 13.

    With this development, the January to December budget cycle would not be obtainable with the 2018 budget.

    Buhari had on Nov. 7, 2017 presented a budget of N8.6 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly.

    The president who announced the 2018 budget as “Budget of Consolidation”, said the projected expenditure would drive rapid economic recovery.

    He said at the session that with a benchmark of 45 dollars per barrel at an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar in 2018, the budget would consolidate on the achievements of previous budgets to aggressively steer the economy to the path of steady growth.

  • Kwara 2019: Fresh crises in Saraki’s camp

    As the race for the 2019 General Elections gathers momentum, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, writes on how the scheming and other developments in Kwara State are playing out within the political camp of former governor of the state and current Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

    BARELY a year to the next general election, the political camp of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, back in his home state of Kwara, appears to be bedeviled with a new wave for crises as some of his political associates, aides and other lieutenants are up in arms against one another, following clashes of interests over their political aspirations in 2019.

    Sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the north-central state told The Nation that some close aides of the Senator, who is the indisputable leader of the ruling party in the state, may fall out with him soon over his alleged preferences for some aspirants over some others in the race to political offices, unless something is urgently done to arrest the deteriorating situation ahead of the next general election.

    An aide of the Senate President, who served as a Special Adviser during the last administration in the state, while craving anonymity as he is not authorised to speak on the matter, expressed concern over what he called the mounting pressure on Saraki from a number of his senior associates as regards their 2019 political aspirations and or calculations.

    “What we have on our hand is a situation where some of our very senior leaders within the Saraki political family are fast allowing their political ambitions to cause unnecessary rancor. They seem to have either forgotten how we handle such things or are unwilling to allow the usual process to play out. Such talks about Dr. Saraki favoring some people over some others are causing these tensions you claimed to have noticed.

    Findings by The Nation revealed that the quest for some positions by some of Saraki’s men back home in Kwara State is fast degenerating into open rivalry amongst his supporters, with some of them already engaging in accusations and counter accusations. This is just as some of the issues being alleged to be causing disaffection within the group still remain in the realm of speculations.

    It was gathered that Saraki is currently battling with a number of political frictions arising from clashes of interests over some positions, among some of his associates across the state, leading to serious internal rivalry that now threatens the cohesiveness of his once solidly united political family. Not unaware of the development, the Senate President has on several occasions called his men to order, urging them to shun all forms of divisive politicking.

    “In December here in Ilorin, after lamenting what he called dangerous politics by some of his people, Saraki begged everyone to leave 2019 in the hands of God and stop fighting one another. That notwithstanding, his aides and associates are still at loggerhead over who should take what in 2019. From a fierce struggle for the senatorial seat in the southern part of the state, to an unending tussle over some House of Representatives seats across the state and even a rumored rumble over how the next governor of the state should emerge, the list is growing.

    Battle for the south

    If information from Ilorin, the state capital, is anything to go by, the alleged desire of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to head to the senate in 2019 as the representative of Kwara South Senatorial District is one of the issues causing disaffection among supporters of the Senate President. Ahmed will be finishing his second term as governor and will not be eligible to seek re-election as governor.

    While many of his supporters see his rumored senatorial aspiration as normal and deserved, those opposed to his desire say he is asking for too much as the current occupant of the seat Dr. Rafiu Ibrahim, is just in his first term and has declared intention to return to the senate in 2019. Both Ahmed and Ibrahim are lieutenants of the Senate President who is the leader of the ruling APC in the state.

    Sources close to the three politicians say the looming political face-off between the Governor and Senator Ibrahim is already causing clashes among their supporters, especially back home in Offa, Oyun Ifelodun Federal Constituency of the state, where they both hail from. “We have had cases of their supporters fighting themselves back home in the south,” our source said.

    Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that the alleged preference of Ibrahim for the senate seat ahead of Ahmed by Saraki is already public knowledge within the camp. This, sources claim, has further heightened tension as supporters of the governor have vowed to ensure he gets the ticket. ‘He is the seating governor and should ordinarily be the leader of the party in the state.

    “It is not out of place for him to want to go to the senate in 2019 after the expiration of his term. He will not be the first to do that. So, why should he not be given the preference to achieve that in 2019? But we are not unaware of the efforts of some people to use their closeness to certain quarters to turn the table against him. How that will work out is what we will all have to see,” another party source said.

    But another source claimed it is not as simple as the governor just wanting to go to the senate after his tenure. “He became governor on the goodwill of someone. His choice back then was based on certain considerations. If certain considerations are now suggesting he cannot displace someone from the senate, then shouldn’t his supporters understand that? We have a way of handling this before now,” he argued.

    And if the Senate President thought his only headache in Kwara South is how to choose between Ahmed and Ibrahim in 2019, it turned out wrong with the entrance of Hon. Saheed Popoola into the race. The member of the state House of Assembly, though not as close to Saraki as Ahmed and Ibrahim, given that he was in the Action Congress (AC) before the formation of APC, is yet another politician whose ambition is unsettling the politics of the state.

    The Nation gathered that associates of the Senate President are worried that with the ongoing clamour that Offa should be allowed to produce a senator for the southern district like other towns in the area, Popoola’s aspiration may alter permutations in 2019. “Popoola is a member of the APC too and he is from Offa, a town that is yet to produce a senator since the return to democracy.”

    So fierce is the struggle that a recall process against Senator Ibrahim by some of his constituents is now a subject of allegations and counter allegations. While those championing the recall said it is because the Senator has not represented them well, Ibrahim and his people insist the entire process was initiated by “those seeking to become senator in 2019.”

    Ahmed Akorede, Secretary of Kwara South Unity Forum, the group championing the recall process, denied reports that the group is working with the governor of the state to victimize Senator Rafiu with the recall attempt. He affirmed that members of the group are out to exercise their constitutional power to recall any political representative who has failed to meet the expectation of the people that voted for him.

    But former Transition Implementation Chairman, Irepodun Local Government, Kashim Adekanye, described the planned recall as cheap blackmail. “All of us, the followers of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, are united under that banner. We have thrown our weight behind the senator. “Apart from this, Ibrahim has been consulting with the APC leaders in the senatorial district from time to time as a loyal member of the APC and has committed to meeting the yearning and aspirations of the people.”

    Speaking recently through his media officer, Ibrahim said, “No doubt, these individuals, from our findings, enjoy the romance and patronage of some top government officials. We have seen clear pointer that it’s a conspiracy and a direct message from the people who are eyeing the Kwara South Senatorial seat come 2019. We can never be deterred or distracted by these faceless and invisible elements that only exist on the pages of the newspapers.”

    Another crisis in the north

    In the northern senatorial district of the state, some allies of the Senate President are also at loggerheads, though for a different reason entirely; the tussle for the governorship ticket of the APC in 2019. Reports say the APC has already zoned its 2019 governorship ticket to Kwara North, which has never occupied the post since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    With the zoning favoring his district, former governor of the state and staunch ally of Saraki’s, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, is believed to have made up his mind to return to the Government House in 2019. But it is being strongly rumoured that Saraki is rooting for 45-year-old Hon. Mohammed Zakari, a member of the House of Representatives.

    Zakari, who represents Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency in the lower chamber, is on a second-term. He is said to have impressed the Senate President with unending display of loyalty and vibrancy since joining his political camp years back. It is this alleged support from Saraki that is pitching Zakari against other gubernatorial hopefuls, including Lafiagi.

    Lafiagi, who was the governor of the state from January 1 1992-November 1993 under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), sees himself as more deserving of the ticket, not just as a former governor, but as the current highest political holder from the zone. And in spite of all he hears and sees, the older politician, according to his supporters, believes he will get Saraki’s nod when the chips are down.

    It is also believed that some of the Senate President’s supporters may be toying with the idea of pushing Bolaji Abdulai, former Sports Minister and spokesman of the APC, into the governorship race as a form of mid-way option should the hostilities being generated by the rivalry among the current contenders continue. “Abdullai is yet to tell anyone he wants to be governor but it is not impossible to see him run if what we are hearing is anything to believe,” a source said.

    “Abdulai is not the only person close to the leader that is being mentioned. For now, Hon. Baago Patigi, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Zakari, a member of the House of Representatives, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, Rt. Hon. Ahmad Ali, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and many others who are close to Dr. Saraki, are reportedly interested in the race,” our source added.

  • Invasion: Senate summons IGP, DSS DG

    …Ekweremadu confirms return of snatched mace

     

    Dazed by the audacity which shrouded Wednesday’s invasion of the National Assembly, the Senate Wednesday summoned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Director General, Department of State Service (DSS) Lawal Daura, to appear before it over the incident.

    Idris and Daura are to appear before the Senate next week, the Senate said.

    It said that the police boss and DSS DG were specifically invited to throw light on the extent of investigation into the invasion largely believed to have been orchestrated.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary issued the summon in an address after over one hour Executive Session.

    Issues relating to the invasion of the hallowed chamber of the Senate by armed thugs and steps to ensure lasting harmony in the chamber were said to have dominated the closed session.

    Ekweremadu formally confirmed to his colleagues that the stolen mace had been recovered by the police as demanded by the Senate.

    He lamented that despite recovery of the mace “it still beats the imagination of Nigerians and the civilised world that the attackers passed through the several security checks and barriers into the National Assembly and the inner recesses of this chamber and also escaped with the mace into the thin air despite the well-known fortified surroundings of this parliament.”

    Vowing that what happened on Wednesday must not be allowed to go unpunished or to be swept under the carpet, Ekweremadu assured the Senate will get to the root of the matter.

    He called on the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the State Security Service to “ensure that all those, who plotted, aided, abated, and executed this dastardly affront on our democracy and belittled Nigeria before the international community must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.”

    A added “We will be inviting them (Idris and Daura) next week to brief us on the state of the investigations.”

    Ekweremadu who read a statement entitled “The affront on our laws and institutions must not go unpunished” said: Distinguished Colleagues, “Yesterday, (Wednesday) this legislative chamber, the nation, and the international community were treated to the theatre of the absurd when armed men invaded the chamber to assault our staff and cart away the mace, the symbol of authority of the Senate. It was a very sad testimony, a derogation, and total smear on our democracy and nation.

    “On behalf of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki, CON, I want to register deep appreciation to you, my colleagues for your understanding and maturity in the face of flagrant provocation. You showed forth yourselves as patriots and elder statesmen and women. I am indeed proud of you and salute your patriotism.

    “I want to also specially appreciate the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, the Management and staff of the National Assembly, especially our chamber staff for their gallantry.

    “We appreciate Nigerians, the media, civil society, the political parties, and the international community for the outpour of solidarity and concern.

    “Ugly and provocative as the event of Wednesday was, it soothes that the entire nation and the world stood together in total condemnation of the ugly drama, brigandage, and desecration of the National Assembly by those, who hold themselves above the laws and institutions of our land.

    “Distinguished colleagues, you would also recall that this hallowed chamber, supported by the House of Representatives, demanded that the Inspector-General of Police recover and return the stolen mace to the Senate within twenty-four hours.

    “Concerned colleagues and Nigerians, who wanted to find out if the mace had been found, have inundated me with calls and messages since last night. Let me, therefore, formally confirm to you, my distinguished colleagues, that the mace has been recovered by the police as we demanded here in this hallowed chamber.

    “Nevertheless, we believe that there should be consequence for bad behaviour. We swore to uphold the laws of the Federal Republic and the principles of democracy. It still beats the imagination of Nigerians and the civilised world that the attackers passed through the several security checks and barriers into the National Assembly and the inner recesses of this chamber and also escaped with the mace into the thin air despite the well-known fortified surroundings of this parliament.

    “Therefore, we hold that it will be a detour to the state of nature where life was lawless and brutish if what happened yesterday is allowed to go unpunished or to be swept under the carpet. It will never happen. We will get to the roots of the matter. We call on the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the State Security Service to ensure that all those, who plotted, aided, abated, and executed this dastardly affront on our democracy and belittled Nigeria before the international community must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. We will be inviting them next week to brief us on the state of the investigations.

    “This incident has also brought to the fore the case many of us have always made for a decentralised police system. Ordinarily, a big institution like the National Assembly should have its own police, apart from the Sergeants-at-Arm. However, the security of this parliament is fully outside the control of the National Assembly. Instructively, the same gangterism that was witnessed here Wednesday has been recorded in various State Houses of Assembly.

    “It is on this note, distinguished colleagues, that I welcome you back to this Thursday plenary. I want to assure Nigerians that we will never waver in the responsibility they have elected us to shoulder. We will all stand together to defend this institution of the parliament and our democracy. We will never fear to legislate; and we will never legislate out of fear. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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