SENATOR SARAKI: “I Am Not After David Mark’s Seat, But” At a media chat with local correspondents during a trip to Ilorin, Senator Saraki during the interaction made remarks concerning the current political situation in the country. Senator Saraki while addressing newsmen made it clear that his actions and comments in the Senate now or in the future of the 7th assembly is borne out of his passion and commitment to good governance, rule of law, equity, fairness, adherence to the constitution, sustenance and protection of our democracy. Senator Saraki explained that he would continue to speak and voice out his believes, opinions and thoughts and ensure that what is right, just and fair in the interest of the Senate and the nation are entrenched. During the chat, Senator Saraki was quoted as saying. “It would be unfortunate of anyone, in any quarters to equate to the fact that I want Senator Mark’s seat. I do not want his seat, BUT I will not be blackmailed in not doing or say what I feel is right because I have been down this road a number of times while standing strong on not only what is right but in the best interest of our great country. Therefore, I will not succumb to cheap blackmail that all my intent was all about naked ambition or personal interest” To buttress his point, Senator Saraki stated that in “September 2011, I stood up then to demand Transparency and Accountability in the management of the fuel subsidy scheme, where I voiced out the ongoing massive fraud in the scheme which posed great threat to our economy. Then I was called names and told that I did not like Mr President and that it was all about 2015 election and that my figure were grossly inaccurate and no such mismanagement took place. Now the facts have shown otherwise.” Also last year, during the PDP crises, when some State Governors and National Assembly members rose up to challenge the impunity of the then PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur and the running of the party, Senator Saraki and others were called names and now they have been vindicated by the turn out of event even after they left the party. Saraki said, “for me to dissipate my time and energy seeking Senator David Mark’s seat with a year to election and likely possible only six months of active legislative activities, it will be illogical. But as leaders, there will be issues that I will continue to speak and stand for what I believe is in the interest of the Senate and in my view, the interest of our nation.” For instance, Senator Saraki referred to the provision of Section 215 (4) of the 1999 Constitution which clearly stipulates the power and authority of a state governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state, whereby he can give orders and instructions to the Commissioner of Police of his state within the confines of the constitution but where such commissioner of police disobeys the governor’s instructions, like in Rivers State, we cannot keep quiet because this is tantamount to the breach of the constitution. We all recall that the present IG was a former Commissioner of Police in Kwara State under Governor Mohammed Lawal where he has had experience tougher than that of Amaechi of Rivers State. The now Inspector General of Police as commissioner of Police then, created an enabling environment, peaceful atmosphere and stabilized the state for all in that matter and Senator Saraki was able to win his election under a free and fair atmosphere, which would not have been possible without the commitment of the IG towards entrenching security of lives and property in the state. It is our believe that the Inspector General of Police has the experience, capability and maturity to manage crisis, except if there are factors above him that impedes his abilities to discharge his duties. As lawmakers and leaders, it is incumbent on us as part of our oversight function to assist the IG to make sure that this issue does not engulf Rivers State or spread to any other states. It is a known fact, practice and procedure that the Nigerian Police authorities under the IG have more than hundred of Commissioners of Police, which he could move or redeploy as we have seen him doing in other states. Especially where a governor of a state requires a commissioner of police to be moved in view of inability to work together in the interest of that state, it is expected of the IG to reason with such state governor. And if after such redeployment, the state governor further complains, then we all know where the problem is. In the same vein, Saraki expressed his delight that the Senate has undertaking to look into the controversial issue of missing Billions of Dollars. He said he is convinced that the Senate would do a thorough job and get to the bottom of the matter to unravel the misery surrounding the whereabouts of such huge amount in the interest of the nation. It is our duty to ask for accountability, as we do desire accountability by all agencies of government. When we members of the upper chamber shy away from this responsibility, then the country is in trouble. In doing this, we are not for or against NNPC, CBN or Ministry of Finance but for a better Nigeria. On the issue of declaration of seats vacant and defection of some Senators, Senator Saraki stated that the leadership of the senate cannot and will not to the best of his knowledge declare a senator’s seat vacant particularly in line with the decision taken recently by group of Senators who have written to the Senate President wherein they expressed their lack of Support to such move. Also, in view of the pending court action which directs the senate leadership from not taking any step towards declaring vacant the seat of any senator, he is of the believe that the leadership of the Senate will exercise caution on this. Saraki concluded the chat by saying he strongly believes our country, Nigeria, is changing and we as leaders must change as well. Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:47:35 +0000
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