Press Release: Senate is Solidly Behind Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Press statement signed by Sen. Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba on behalf of the Eighth Senate.

After majority of us, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning, we are happy that he appeared at the Tribunal after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his Fundamental Human Rights. We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the Senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership.


We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of Senate President and no politically motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him.

By his appearance at the Tribunal, he has demonstrated his firm belief in the rule of law and his respect for our judicial process. We join Dr. Saraki in affirming our commitment to rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy. We only hope the other arms of government will ensure that due processes and procedures are followed in this trial and on all other issues.

The Eighth Senate restates its commitment to the programmes and policies of the Buhari administration. It is our belief that at the end of this trial, our democracy, Nigerians and the people will end up as the beneficiaries. May God bless our country, Nigeria.

Signed Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba On behalf of the Eighth Senate

Senate Orders Probe of Billions Spent Under Obasanjo, Jonathan on Electricity

The Senate, Thursday, constituted a 13-member ad-hoc committee to conduct investigation into the management of funds appropriated for the power sector by successive governments since 1999.

The committee, led by Abubakar Kyari, has a two-week mandate to conduct its investigations and submit its report to the Senate.

The timeframe given nevertheless, the Senate adjourned plenary to September 29.

Senate Confirms New Service Chiefs

After 4 hours of screening, the Senate has confirmed the appointment of new military chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The president, on July 13, appointed new service chiefs for Nigeria’s armed forces.

They are Maj-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff.

Air Vice-Marshal Sadique Abubakar was appointed the new Chief of Air Staff, while Air Vice-Marchal Monday Morgan was named Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The president also appointed retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno as National Security Adviser.

After hours of screening of the military officials on Tuesday, the senate formally confirmed the appointments.

The Senate president, Bukola Saraki, urged them to tackle Boko Haram, insurgency and oil theft in the country.

The House has yet to announce its decision.