I wont Quit My position- Saraki Fires

The embattled senate president Bukola Saraki has come out tough to his political detractors as he has affirmed his position in the ongoing saga rocking his Assets declaration.

The senate president who expressed his concerned during Tuesday Plenary said the idea of resigning his position is just a quick gimmicks by some few to derail the success of the National Assembly while noting that resigning will give in to unforeseen forces

Senator Bukola Saraki who is been investigated by the code of conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged false declaration of assets said that the Senate is yet to received list of ministerial nominees from Mr President amid wide speculation.

Similarly, at the resumption of Tuesday plenary session, over 83 senators passed a vote of confidence at the leadership of the house stating their readiness to stand by him in whatever capacity despite his current impediments at the code of conduct Bureau(CCB)

While addressing his colleagues after six weeks of recess, Senator Bukola Saraki canvases support for constitutionality  and absolute separation of powers.

“Distinguished Senators, I believe you have all followed with keen interest, my trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. I shall avoid discussing the details of that case here for obvious reasons.

“Meanwhile, I wish to reiterate my remarks before the Tribunal, that I have no iota of doubt that I am on trial today because I am the president of the Nigerian Senate, against the wishes of some powerful individuals outside this Chambers.

“But what is clear to me also, is that the laws of Nigeria, and the rules of the National Assembly give consideration only to the wishes and desires of those of you who are here today as members of the Senate, to elect as you wish, one of your peers as President of the Senate.

“This, in your wisdom, is what you have done by electing me to be the first among all of you who are my equals. The laws of Nigeria do not give any consideration to any other forces outside the Senate in the election of its President.

“And to yield the ground on this note is to be complicit in the subversion of democracy and its core principles of separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution.

“Too many people have fought and died for the democracy that we enjoy today. We would not be honouring them and their memories if we allow the sad chapters of our history to continue to repeat themselves like a bad curse.

“As for me, I am prepared to do my duty in defence of our democracy and in safeguarding the independence of the National Assembly. My duty, as I see it, is to do justice and honour to the memory of those who have paid even higher prices to give us this democracy and this constitution.

“Primarily as a Senator of the Federal Republic and as Senate President, I owe it to this Senate to stand strong in the face of relentless persecution.

“I invite all of you to stand with me to defend this Senate and preserve its sanctity. Ultimately, our legacies would not be defined by how long we stay here and in whatever position; but by what we did with this great opportunity that our people have given us by the grace of Almighty God.”

Similarly, the seemingly, brawl at the upper legislative chamber may have died down with the vote on confidence that was passed on the leadership of the house and its principal officers as it was a quick way to send the signal straight to those who wish otherwise.
Senator David umaru who raised a point of order to pass the motion of a vote of confidence said in his motion that the senate would not tolerate any act of interference on his leadership  by detractors whose aim is to cause embarrassment and take undue advantage.                                              
Senator David umaru also note that the senate would not succumb to any cheap blackmail targeted at the leadership of the house in whatever guise adding that the 8th National Assembly cannot be derailed from discharging her constitutional and statutory responsibility to the Nigerian people.
On the issue of the ministerial nominees, senator Bukola Saraki enjoined his colleagues to braced up for the task as they awaits the executive call.

“Once the list is submitted, let us ensure that we treat it with dispatch and thoroughness. We must not be held down by unnecessary politicking.

“The enormity of our national challenges at this time does not give room for pettiness or politics of vendetta" he said.

 He affirmed his optimism and conviction in the course of a cabinet constitution  as he noted that the ministerial Appointments will  “Enable us to begin to respond in a more systematic manner to the various economic and social challenges before us, especially through our various Committees that will also be constituted soon”