Sen.
Bukola Saraki (APC-Kwara Central) was today sworn-in as President of the 8th
Senate, while Ike Ekweremadu (PDP-Enugu-West) was sworn in as Deputy Senate
President. Saraki’s swearing in by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu
Maikasuwa, followed his nomination by Sen. Ahmed Yerima (APC- Zamfara West) and
seconded by Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West). Saraki was elected unopposed by
57 out of 108 senators-elect. The other 51 senators, including Sen. Ahmed Lawan
(APC Yobe North), were not present as at 10:30 a.m. when Sen. Saraki was
returned as elected. Lawan was a major contender for the seat of the President
of the Senate and was the choice of the APC after the Saturday mock election.
Lawan, alongside other supporters, had allegedly gone for a meeting with
President Muhammadu Buhari aimed at resolving the impasse among the contenders.
Meanwhile, Ekweremadu was sworn as Deputy President of the Senate, after he
polled 54 votes to defeat Sen. Ali Ndume (APC- Borno-South), who polled 20
votes, while one vote was declared invalid. NAN reports that the day’s activity
started at 10 a.m. with the reading of President Muhammadu Buhari’s
proclamation by the Clerk of National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Abubakar
Maikasuwa.