Former Governor of Akwa Ibom state and lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom Northwest has emerged as the president of the 10th Senate after a mild drama ensued in an attempt to stop the nomination of Abdulaziz Yari his closet opponent
Drama started when Senator Elisha Abbo (APC Adamawa North) nominated Abdulaziz Yari for the position of president of the Senate for the 10th Assembly.
The nomination of Yari generated uproar among lawmakers who argued that Senator Abdulaziz Yari is not a ranking senator thereby going against the senate rule, (order 3)which only allows ranking senators to aspire to the position of the senate president
The argument led to a rowdy session, with senators raising their voices against each other
According to the National Assembly clerk, the nomination of Yari is in accordance With relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.
The clerk to the national assembly Magaji Tambawal calmed the nerves of aggrieved senators giving room for Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South), to second Yari’s nomination for the election.
Akpabio was nominated by Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) and seconded by Senator Solomon Olamilekan APC Ogun West ).
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Some of the lawmakers after voting, were displaying their ballots, according to them is to show party loyalty.
After the voting process was concluded former minister of Niger Delta affairs Godswill Akpabio polled 63 votes as against 46 garnered by Abdulaziz Yari totaling 109.
Immediately after the election of the senate president, Senator Dave Umahi ( APC Ebonyi South) nominated Barau Jibrin for the position of Deputy President of the Senate Which was seconded by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central )
Barau Jibrin Nomination was unopposed as the clerk declared him the new Deputy President of the Senate
Akpabio after his emergence thanked all, including Senator Yari for the good fight.
He thereafter administered the oath of office to all other senators.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
