Desperation Sets In As Senate President Seat Hots Up

                              

As the race for the senate presidency hots up in the incoming 8th National Assembly, campaign coordinators of the senators vying for the no. 1 seat today disrupted proceedings in the upper chamber while senators were deliberating on the National Tobacco Control Bill. 

The 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 campaigned coordinators sparked a rowdy session in the red chamber as the bill being deliberated upon was totally ignored by majority of the senators. It took the intervention of former Anambra State Governor and Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Chris Ngige to put a stop to the situation.

Ngige said, “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’s observation thereafter 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”.Ekweremadu’s plea fell on deaf ears as the coordinators continued with their campaigns. According to The Nation, a similar incident happened last week during the induction ceremony for new members of the Senate which was held at the International Conference Centre.

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  this last weekend, visited some top politicians of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo to seek their support in his quest to lead the Senate in the 8th National Assembly.

Naij