TIT-BITS OF SARAKI’S EMERGENCE AS SENATE PRESIDENT

Although the event was scheduled for 10am, the entrance to the National Assembly complex was massed with visitors by people who came from far and wide across the country as early as 7:00am. Security was beefed up at the venue and most people were subjected to thorough search before the combined security men of Civil Defense and Police allowed them into the complex. Except for journalists who had accredited tags, and invited guests to the inauguration, other reporters and personal staff of some senators and lawmakers elect did not exceed beyond the first security check point mounted on the day of the inauguration.

The drama that played out that day within the All Progressives Congress, APC, didn't go beyond the National Assembly complex. While reporters converged for the event at the complex, news filtered in that the event has been postponed and that the APC will be having a meeting to find a common ground for its elected law makers. Some that left for the International Conference Centre venue of the meeting rushed back when the announcement of Saraki as the Senate President hit the air. Senator AbdulAzeez Nyako almost stumbled on his clothes trying to catch the session.

After the conclusion of the inauguration of the senate and while that of the House of Representatives was going on, three coastal buses drove senators out of the complex through the left wing.

Around 1:45pm, Saraki's official convoy drove out of the National Assembly and stopped at the gate to acknowledge cheers from people who massed around the Senate president's official car, shouting “Sai Saraki”, “all hail the Senate President”.

Igbos at the National Assembly were among the happiest with the fallout of the result of the inauguration and they danced and rejoiced over the result, tagging it victory for democracy.

Majority of those that spoke on the issue at the complex lambasted Bola Tinubu for “irresponsible politicking” that caused the APC major loss even as the ruling party, on what it would have gotten on a platter of gold.

From the complex, Bukola drove to his facility at 48 Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, where he received and entertained guests.

For those who have not seen some of the personalities in Kwara in their dancing shoes before, it was an opportunity to see them on Tuesday where Hon Ebun Owolabi and Hon Segilola Abdulkadir showed their party skills.

For some of those personalities and some lawmakers in the state, it was opportunity to get over the bar and as someone said “I never knew we had many bars among us”

Governor Aminu Tambuwwal, who was among the early callers to Saraki's House, drove himself and Governor Ahmed out in company of other APC members in a black Range Rover.

“All hail the Senate President”, the Kwara State APC Senatorial Chairmen and other Kwarans had to queue before they see Saraki this time around.

At a few minutes to six, a police officer “undressed” the official car of the Senate President (Benz 5600 L) removing the flags and seal of senate at it's front and back, probably to end the official engagements.

It was indeed a memorable event.