A cold war seems to be brewing in the Senate, as 28 APC Senators walked out on Saraki while the house was still seating...
It's evident that a huge in-house war is gradually building in the Senate as Members of the Barnabas Gemade led Senate Unity Forum walked out of the Senate Chambers, threatening to take a legal action against the emergence of Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate.
Addressing journalists at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday,they insisted Saraki’s election was not constitutional
Punch reports that, the problem started when Gemade, a former Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, raised a motion in the house,demanding full integration of the SUF members who were absent from the formal inauguration on Tuesday.The motion was overruled by Saraki.
Gemade said, “I will like to appeal to the President of the Senate that driving for a united Senate, it would be reasonable to accommodate everyone. But if the desire is not to accommodate all, then you are heading for a divided Senate.
“That would not be good for your leadership, for the senate as a whole body, and it will also not be good for the nation. It behoves on you, Mr. President, that due recognition must be given to all concerned.”
Sen. Kabiru Marafa, who raised a point of order protesting the way and manner Saraki emerged as the Senate president, demanded full investigation.His motion was also overruled by Saraki.
MArafa said, “The news was that the Senate was inaugurated with 57 senators while 51 senators- elect were absent.
“The news portrayed me and many of my colleagues as irresponsible members of this hallowed chamber. That we were absent from an event that was announced and which we were to attend with our spouses and well wishers, showed us as irresponsible people.
“That caused unwarranted embarrassment to me and other members of this Senate and our family members. I want to put it on record that after the swearing in today (Wednesday), I was handed down Senate standing orders as amended.
“I want to say that as an active member of the former Seventh Senate, I cannot recall where and when the Senate orders were amended or tabled for any amendment or corrections. I think it is worthy of notice that this act was perpetrated and the Senate should call for a full investigation of what happened and where this document emanated.”
After they were overruled, the 28 senators, including the APC choice candidate for the Senate Presidency, Ahmed Lawan, went to address journalists. They did not return until the session rose.