Senate President, Bukola Saraki expresses gratitude to colleagues

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

The newly elected senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki has expressed gratitude to his colleagues who played roles in development that clicked him the President of the 8th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bukola Saraki

In his acceptance speech, he said he encountered difficulties in his quest to attain the post, but his colleauges support for him has shown an uncommon democratic transition in the country.

He said “I want to thank all members of the national assembly, especially the distinguished senators for your maturity and patriotism in the exercise that we have just concluded in electing the leadership of the 8th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said in his acceptance speech.

“We have demonstrated that even though we may belong to different persuasions and parties, we are ultimately united by our common desire to entrench democracy and allow its core principles guide the conduct of our political affairs.

“I thank all those who have supported me and journeyed with me through the difficult road that has brought us here. I believe that the courage and the commitment that you have demonstrated go beyond your support for any individual’s ambition. I believe that what you have demonstrated is an unflinching commitment to the sanctity and integrity of this hallowed chamber as the primary bastion for the government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

He reminded his colleagues that Nigerians are expecting a lot from them and advised that they should strive living to the expectation.

His words “My dear distinguished colleagues, we are entering the saddle at a time when a lot is being expected of us. Nigerians expect the barest minimum out of our agenda; that the new senate and national assembly must make laws that will enable us renew our infrastructure, reform the oil sector, reform our security systems, boost agriculture, create jobs and make doing business in Nigeria much more competitive,” he said.

“The change that our people voted for is a change from a life of poverty, misery and hopelessness to a life of prosperity, happiness and confidence in the future; a change from a pervasive culture of fear to a life of security and comfort; a change from impunity and elite arrogance to a life of accountability and respect for every citizen, regardless of tribe, gender, religion, region or political persuasion.

“This is the change that all of us in this national assembly must strive to bring about, if we must justify the privilege of representation conferred on us by our people. Nigerians want to see a proactive national assembly that will devote itself to rigorous thinking, rolling up sleeves to forge a new and prosperous Nigeria.

“As the president of the 8th senate and the chairman of this national assembly, I shall be guided by the enormity of the responsibilities that this moment imposes on us all. I shall work with you all to build a national assembly that will enjoy greater confidence and trust among the people that we represent.

“We shall entrench greater openness and accountability. We shall strengthen our capacity for public engagement as well as broaden access for inclusion, recognizing that this temple of democracy belongs to all the people of our country. We have a common responsibility to the people of Nigeria.”

He praised the leadership quality of the President, Muhammdu Buhari and commended David Mark for his role in stabilizing the senate for eight years.

He adjourned plenary till Wednesday.

Saraki returned unopposed as the senate President afer he was nominated by Sani Yarima, a former governor of Zamfara State, seconded by Dino Melaye of Kogi State.

Though rooms were created for more nomination, but there was none.

51 senators out of the 108 were absent and 57 senators took part in the process.

 

Senate President, Bukola Saraki expresses gratitude to colleagues