FORMER governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged president of the eighth Senate after an election that returned him ahead of the party’s preferred candidate, Ahmed Lawan.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also emerged his Deputy after defeating Senator Ali Ndume, from Borno State.
Ike Ekweremadu and Bukola Saraki
Saraki polled 57 votes against his opponent who did not get any vote. About 51 senators were reportedly absent during the voting.
Saraki’s emergence comes was trailed by series of controversies over his disagreement with the party’s decision to present Lawan as sole candidate of the party for the position.
A report that the President, Muhammadu Buhari, was miffed at him over a derogatory remark he reportedly made about the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in the wake of the election also added to the controversy. He would later deny the allegation of making such remarks about Osinbajo.
Saraki was nominated by Sani Yerima and seconded by Dino Melaye.
Consequently, Saraki has been sworn into office. He succeeds Senator David Mark from Benue State.
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