The Senate on Tuesday, unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and other principal officers appointed by the various caucuses of the chamber, to run the affairs of the 8th Senate.
The senate in its resolution which followed a motion moved by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East), also cautioned security agents against further harassment of senators, their spouses and National Assembly management.
In his motion which was sponsored by 81 senators from both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, Anyanwu noted with dismay, that the harassment of his colleagues by the police was inappropriate.
He also expressed the determination of the leadership of the Senate to continue to perform its constitutional duties and responsibilities without fear or favour.
He further expressed the determination of the red chamber to focus on matters of interest and importance to the ordinary people of Nigeria in view of the enormous challenges facing the nation.
He said, “Considering the sustained interference in the internal affairs of the senate by detractors and media propaganda against the Senate and senators by selfish politicians, the senate hereby resolved,
“To pass a vote of confidence on the president of the senate, Senator Bukola Saraki; the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu; the entire senate leadership as presently constituted.
“To call on the Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies in Nigeria not to allow themselves to be used by any person or persons to harass, to intimidate or blackmail the Senate, senators or their spouses.”
Anyanwu’s motion was seconded by Senator Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West), and all the senators in the chamber unanimously agreed to the prayers when read out by Saraki.
In his reaction, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, commended his colleagues who signed the motion for the confidence reposed in the senate leadership.
He said, “The 8th Senate under the present leadership as constituted will be the most transparent, Nigerian friendly senate.
“A senate that will yield to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigeria. We will exhibit the confidence in our conduct and decisions as far as the 8th Senate is concerned.” Punch
