Attack on Senate: Saraki commends colleagues, House members for defending democracy

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has commended lawmakers for standing up firmly in defence of democracy and the rule of law in an attack on Wednesday where the mace was carted away.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, also lauded the swift reaction by the leadership and members of the House of Representatives.

He commended them for demonstrating solidarity with the red chamber, adding that it was a strong signal that enemies of democracy and those who wanted to undermine the legislature would be resisted by all parliamentarians.

Saraki spoke from Washington D.C, where he was attending the Spring Meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“I have just been informed that some hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers, forcefully took away the mace and assaulted some of our Sergeant-at-arms on chamber duties.

“I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

“My commendation goes to my Deputy, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

“With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

“I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice,’’ he said.