SPECIAL SESSION AS NIGERIAN SENATE CLOCKS 2

TODAY IN PLENARY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF FRIDAY 9TH JUNE 2017

It's a special session in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the Senate into today's special valedictory session.

Senator Andy Uba moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 8th June, 2017. Senator Rose Oko seconded.

Senate suspended order 17 to allow invited guests into the chamber.

Senate Chamber

OPENING REMARKS

Senate President Bukola Saraki delivered his special Valedictory remarks. #8SenateAt2.

Senate President Bukola saraki welcomed his colleagues and invited guests for the 2nd anniversary.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said Today is a historic day for many reasons, we are 2 years on this saddle, and it's been 2 years of productive legislation. When we started i knew the 8th Senate will be significantly different irrespective of our unending barriers to make laws for the peace and good governance of the Federation which we have done. We have passed 96 Bills in 2years, it's not just the no of Bills passed but the impact of these Bills. He said the 8th Senate improved and broke the 12 year jinx of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill. He said this is the 1st ever Senate to hold a public hearing on the 2017 budget and laid details at the same time, this has not been done since 1999. We promised to pass the economic reform Bills and we have done that. We've opened our activities to the world by being the 1st to adopt live streaming, we have become the most open arm of government . Everyone of you (colleagues) deserve to be singled out and thanked for your sacrifices, commitment and steadfastness. We have dedicated our time to what is most useful to Nigerians. He commended his colleagues for their maturity, patriotism and statesmanship on the Job. He thanked the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Leader, Minority Leader for their broadmind, patriotism and support. He thanked the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition for being the voice to the voiceless. He said this is the highest number of petitions in the history of the Senate, we have treated 72 petitions so far. He said It is my view as we look to the next 2years that we empower our Committee on Anti-Corruption to strengthen the corruption fight. I am here to tell you that your sacrifices are not in vain as we enter a new era of prosperity. He said we have done well so far because we have dedicated ourselves to the promises we made to Nigerians. He appealed with Nigerians to be patient with the President Muhammadu Buhari government and pray for the speedy recovery of Mr.President. He also thanked Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo for his continued support and services. He thanked his distinguished colleagues, said you have made us proud, done your best, the fact speaks and the records are there.

SENATORS REMARKS

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said the 8th Senate is like no other Senate,He stated that 6th June, 2017 also marked 10years as a presiding officer. A day like this we must say thank you to all of you, the character of the Senate goes beyond ethnicity and party.

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan said we have been supportive in areas of insurgency and passing Bills for fighting corruption. He thanked his colleagues from both parties for supporting the Leadership of the Senate.

Minority Leader Godswil Akpabio said despite the challenges I must thank your Leadership, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He stated that We have come here to profer solutions to issues. On a serious note there is still alot to be done and we are proud of Bills passed. Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio said I'm happy for the budget process where citizens were able to contribute.

Senator Barnabas Gemade said when we came it was a misconcepted gathering, we have built a parliamentary experience to a good level.

Senator Sekibo thanked Senate President Bukola Saraki and said democracy is the cornerstone of the legislature, he also thanked everybody and the founding fathers.

"We are greater together than apart, let's forget about the agitations".-Senator George Akume.

Senator Dino Melaye thanked Senate President Bukola Saraki and urged that the rule of law must prevail and not allow for selective application of law.

Senator Shehu Sani said I believe history will be kind to us, the unity of this country is uncompromising.

CLOSING REMARKS

Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked everyone for their contribution, kind words of encouragement, He said we must make sure we complete our constitutional Amendment. He said the Senate must stand to maintain that there is only one Nigeria, the next 2years would be more challenging. He said we must also fight corruption, we must ensure transparency and honesty, I appeal to all Committees on oversight to expose every corrupt practices. He said i keep on saying we must strengthen the institutions, we need to speak the truth when it's necessary. He said we hope the executive will continue to stretch their hand of support, we also honour late Senator Isiaka Adeleke who would have been here with us, let's continue to support the family. He also thanked all the presiding officers.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved that Plenary be adjourned to another Legislative day. Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio seconds.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 13th June, 2017.

Picture cut of the Plenary.