Preparedness is fundamental in the scheme of things. It is in fact the foundation on which every achievement of a man, group of persons or an organization is built. It is said that Nigeria lacked the requisite preparations in the build-up to independence which counted against her, as she couldn’t manage its aftermaths, when she eventually got it.
The first precondition anyone hoping to take up a position of leadership must have is a mind geared up towards the position, such a person must have had a defined and well sketched out activities for the position in other to attain maximum success. In light of these, I want to appreciate the high-level preparedness shown by the President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, which had rapidly reenergized the purpose and principles of that office.
Four months since Saraki became Senate President, his office has never fallen short of the promises and action towards a responsible headship, which represents the Change Nigerians asked for.
1. Saraki’s visit to the IDP camps
This came as a result of a mind prepared to work. That show of affinity apparently has changed the perception of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) who felt neglected and of local and international watchers; all thanks to the proactive sense of the Senate and its leadership.
2. e-Parliament: The introduction of e-Parliament by the Senate President came just few weeks into his time in office, showing that it has been an agenda on his list and without a doubt, e-Parliament is long overdue for the Nigeria parliamentary arm of government.
3. Saraki still maintains a good Social Media presence.
In the build up to the National Assembly election, Saraki hinted that he will continue to keep his presence on the Social Media platforms as open as possible. Some individuals doubted the promises by reason of the enormity of his office and its heavy duty functions; not to mention the heat from the self-styled godfathers but Saraki has weathered the storms quite well across his many social media platforms! He keeps a very good and open social media presence which, without a doubt, is down to his preparedness for the office.
4. Principal officers of the NASS
Saraki oversaw the elections of the Principal Officer of the Senate Chamber because of his preparedness to instil the desirable qualities of the National Assembly and as a harbinger of good principles to restore the people’s belief. The National Assembly has its laid down operational orders which seemed to have been bastardised in the last assembly and plunging it into ignominy, thus making it an institution of mockery. But Saraki came on board with a renewed vigour to revamp its structures and restore its glory and sanctity.
5. Saraki stayed in office to receive the much talked about ministerial list.
On the 30th of September which was the deadline given to Nigerians by the President for the submission of #TheList of Ministerial Nominees to the National Assembly, we saw a determination and high-level preparedness in the Senate President to have stayed in office till 5:00pm, to ensure when the President makes good on his promise of 30th September, he’ll be on ground to receive it.
If Saraki had left office anytime before the late arrival of the list was brought in, it would have amounted to mistrust in the Executive and cast a smear on President Buhari’s reputation. But Saraki stayed back to save the day.