The Nigerian Senate broke on a four week recess today, just after Senate President, Bukola Saraki announced the leaders appointed by regional caucuses to fill vacant positions.
Only the South West senators declined to name anyone via letter writing, as done by other blocs. The South West senators said they stood by the letter sent by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress to Senate president over the posts.
Senator Sola Adeyeye, was named in the letter as chief Whip.
Saraki adamantly declined to acknowledge the receipt of the letter.
Ali Ndume, who addressed his colleagues, explained that his job schedule included among others, leading the business of the senate; Managing legislative schedule; and Liaising with committee chairmen.
He said, “I will not deceive myself. Every Senator is more than qualified to lead the Senate. God normally chooses who he wants. Leading the Senate means that the success recorded is not going to be my own but for all of us.”
Ndume, after the Senate had concluded its legislative business of the day, announced an adjournment to July 21 to allow the ad-hoc committees on review of senate finance and that of legislative agenda, time to do their work.
The Senate had adjourned 9 June for two weeks after the contentious election of Saraki, and PDP’S Ike Ekweremadu as President and deputy president. The Senate resumed for business on Tuesday.