There was mixed feelings on Thursday at the valedictory session of the 8th Senate, when senators took turns to appraise their performance for the past four years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Upper Chamber, which for some time has been scanty in attendance after the 2019 general elections, was packed full with lawmakers taken turns to speak on their experiences since 2015 when the Senate was inaugurated.
Sen. Magnus Abe (APC-Rivers), commended his colleagues for working tirelessly in preserving the Senate as an institution.
He said it was the desire to serve Nigeria that brought us here. We preserved this institution for others to come and make their contribution.
“We may not have served perfectly but we represented the highest standard of integrity. May God bless us all,” he said.
Also speaking, Sen. Shehu Sani said lawmakers were not elected to only represent their constituents, but also to protect the interest of the country at large.
He pointed out that lawmakers had a duty to define their role in history by defending the institution of the National Assembly.
He said that one thing every lawmaker ought to take note of was to serve with honour and leave with more honour and also by standing for the truth irrespective of religious, ethnic affiliation or party leaning.
“The National Assembly is not an agency or a ministry, but an institution created to protect Nigerians.
“As a parliament, it is a calling. We are not just here to represent the people, but to stand for issues that are germane,” he said.
On the performance of the 8th Senate, Sani said, there was no doubt it passed through turbulence, noting that “every national assembly has its challenges.
“This country is faced with problems, but as an institution, we must work together to address the challenges, but we cannot do so with a divided house. The survival, dignity and honour of this institution lies in the lawmakers.
“We must also note that we are not here to be subservient to anyone, but to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Sen. Ajayi Borofice (APC-Ondo), in his comment, applauded the leadership style of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.
He also commended his colleagues for demonstrating patriotism towards protecting the interest of the country.
Said he: “Saraki has demonstrated uncommon leadership. Yes, there was turbulence but because of his dexterity, he was able to stabilise the Senate.
“No matter the perception of the public about us, we have demonstrated that we are patriots. We discussed issues of security among other critical issues.
“We worked together irrespective of our differences to get to this point and as such I thank you all for your support.”
Sen. Ben Murray Bruce (PDP-Bayelsa), in his comments, urged senators of the 9th Senate to make laws for the future and not in the past.
According to him, “what is happening today is that knowledge changes in six months. Some of the bills I presented that were not considered makes me feel some of us do not read.
“I, therefore, call on the senators coming into the 9th Senate to put that in mind,” he said.
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