The upper chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, has assured Nigerians that the chamber will not try to use the opportunity of the screening of ministerial nominees to get back at perceived enemies of embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
Dr. Saraki is facing a case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal bordering on false declaration of assets which many believe is politically-motivated and meant to embarrass him.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier promised to unveil the composition of his cabinet before the end of September, which ends in a few days’ time, for vetting by the Senate.
However many Nigerians are apprehensive that the senators as a show of solidarity with their leader may want to truncate the process, just to show that no one humiliates the Senate President and goes scot-free.
In a reaction to these fears, Deputy Senate Leader, Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah dispelled them as unfounded, stating that the members of the senate were poised to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without personal feelings getting in the way.
While speaking to newsmen, he said: “We senators are perfectly aware of our obligations and oath of office not to allow our personal interest to affect our official conducts. We assure Nigerians that there is no problem whatsoever.”
Attributing the perceived strain in relationship between the executive and the upper chamber to the handiwork of mischief makers, he stated “We also assure Nigerians that there is no problem between the president and the Senate. It is only mischief makers that are trying to create the impression that all is not well.”
Sen. Na’Allah affirmed the Senate’s belief in President Buhari’s developmental strides and assured Nigerians the upper chamber was solidly behind him.