Attempt to declare Saraki Acting President fails

The Nigerian Senate recently resumed from a 3-week break. Upon resumption, they received a communication from Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the acting president, seeking the confirmation of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, as the director general of National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

However, because the acting president had earlier reportedly said the Senate had no power to confirm nominees, the lawmakers, however, subjected the letter to deliberations.

Also a point of order was raised, that the Senate president, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The senator representing Abia South, Eyinanya Abaribe, had raised a motion that the country had no president or acting president at the moment, adding that, President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo were neither in the country, as at the time.

This was however countered through order 53 rule 4 of the Senate standing rules, by Senator Kabiru Marafa representing Zamfara Central.

Marafa said: “If the President is not around, the Vice President should act, and if the Vice President is not around, the Senate President, who is the number 3 citizen should become acting President.”

The Senate President, however, quickly ruled Senator Marafa “out of order.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state has denied alleged presidential posters of Senator Bukola Saraki.

APC described the banners of Saraki, which were put on the internet, as “fake and photo- shopped.”

The photo-shopped banners are purportedly calling on Saraki to contest the 2019 presidential election.

Source: Naij