Forum of academic experts rose from a roundtable discussion on the agenda for 8th National Assembly, calling on the next Senate to find a way of pruning down their overhead expenses.

At the forum tagged, "A Round-table Panel Discussion on the 8th Senate Presidency" organised by Kwara state University, Malete, political scientists drawn from various universities in the country also advocated for a people-centered legislature.

Speakers at the forum included Deputy Speaker of Kwara state House of Assembly, Professor Gana Yisa, Dr Azeez Olaniyan of Ekiti State University, Dr. Adegbenga Aladegbola of the department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Dr. Jeremiah Omotola of Redeemer University, Ede, among others.

It was convened by Dr. Fatai Aremu of Political Science Department, University of Ilorin.

Besides, the forum also x-rayed the profile of Senator Bukola Saraki who is one of the contenders for the Senate Presidency, agreeing that he has the pedigree and the charisma to emerge as the next Senate President.

According to a communique issued at the end of the discussion, the group also charged the incoming senate to put in place effective oversight of the executive.

It added that the incoming legislature must ensure robust engagement of prospective ministers and "put a stop to the culture of 'take a bow and go' that is normally adopted when a former legislator appears to be screened for ministerial appointment".

The experts were however unanimous in their endorsement of Saraki whom they noted had the persuasive ability to achieve stability and cohesion in the National Assembly.

"Within this context there is need for a Senate President that can be a rallying-point and perform the role of stabilizer for the regime... Dist. Senator Saraki can credibly deliver on these".

The forum stressed that the Round Table was necessary in clarifying and educating the public on the importance of the National Assembly and why Presidency of the Senate is a very important position.