The journey was difficult, says Saraki

Bukola Saraki, the newly-elected president of the senate, has extended appreciation to his colleagues for electing him as their leader, despite all the difficulties he encountered in his quest to attain the post.

Saraki said his emergence was a victory for democracy and described the exercise at the national assembly as an uncommon democratic transition in the country.

“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 said Nigerians were expecting a lot from the senate and urged his colleagues to strive towards living up to expectation.

“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.”

Saraki extolled the leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari and commended David Mark for “stabilising” the red chamber for eight years.

He, however adjourned plenary till Wednesday.

Saraki was returned unopposed as the senate president after he was nominated by Sani Yarima, former governor of Zamfara state. Dino Melaye of Kogi state seconded the nomination.

Abubakar Sani, the clerk of the national assembly, had called for more nominations but there was none.

Fifty-one of the 108 senators were absent at the chamber during the proceedings.