By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – As Senator took their turns to speak on their experiences in the 8th senate at a valedictory session, federal lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye has eulogized the leadership style of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki.
He praised Saraki for being steadfast, despite conspiracies from various quarters in the last four years.
Dino also narrated two historical days he cannot forget in a hurry said:
“I have two historical dates I will never forget in the history of the 8th Senate. One is the day Senator Ovie Omo-Agege desecrated the hallowed Chambers when he led thugs to steal the mace.”
“It was day of sorrow. It was the day; he led dissidents to the Chambers to remove the symbol of democracy”.
He said, he wept when Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial district led thugs into the Chambers to snatch the mace.
According to him, Omo-Agege’s action amounted to tampering with democracy’s symbol of authority.
“Another day of merriment and joy was the day a man with political sagacity, and administrative prowess in the person of Senator Bukola Saraki was elected Senate President on 9th June, 2015.”
Hear him: “Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues, I thank God Almighty who is the custodian of the universe. You recall Mr. President, that I address you as irremovable President of the Nigeria Senate when cankerworms and caterpillars began to attack me.”
Dino who also recounted the ordeals he and Saraki had to go through in the 8th senate said thus:
“When the Code of Conduct Bureau petitioned you and took you to court, today, Mr. President you are not going to end your task, but have a glorious exit”.
“To my surprise, those who orchestrated your removal are today calling you their mentor.”
“When the governor of Kogi State and his allies took on me and initiated a recall process, the project failed woefully.”
“I thank God because in 2017, I was arrested 8 times and out of 365 days in 2018, I spent 144 in Police custody.”
“I campaign only 4 days to the election and I won. Mr. President, last year, I was arraigned 12 times. Dino vs. Federal government of Nigeria is in 12 courts”.
“Today, I am still standing undisputedly as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Sundiata Post recalls that the 8th Senate ended their session today with a valedictory session and has adjourned sine die.
Recall that the 9th National Assembly will be inaugurated on 11th of June, 2019.