Desperation Sets In As Senate President Seat Hots Up

As the race for the senate presidency heats up in the incoming 8th National Assembly, campaign coordinators of the senators vying for the no. 1 seat on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, disrupted proceedings in the upper chamber as lawmakers were deliberating on the National Tobacco Control Bill. 

The Nation correspondent reported that, supporters of the aspirants practically took over the chambers jumping from one seat to another lobbying senators to the amazement of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who conducted today’s proceedings on behalf of his boss, Senator David Mark.

The activities of the Senators-turned campaign coordinators sparked a rowdy session in the red chamber as the bill being deliberated upon was totally ignored by majority of the lawmakers.

The correspondent said, it took the intervention of former Anambra State Governor and Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Chris Ngige, to halt the humiliating development.

“Mr. President, please could you tell all these campaign co-ordinators to allow us treat this Bill. They are disrupting the chamber and we are not allowed to give the Bill the utmost attention it deserves,” Ngige said.

Ngige’s observation, however, forced Ekweremadu to call the erring senators to order. He announced to the senators saying, “All campaigns for Senate Presidency are hereby suspended until the end of proceedings, dear colleagues please take note.”

The deputy senate President’s plea fell on deaf ears as the coordinators continued with their campaigns.

It was learnt that, a similar incident happened last week during the induction ceremony of new members of the Senate at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The leading candidates in the Senate presidency race are Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Minority Leader, Senator George Akume and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Bukola Saraki.

Meanwhile, Akume, at the weekend, visited some top politicians of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country as well as former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, to solicit their support in his quest to lead the Senate in the 8th National Assembly.