Date: 2015-07-09

When the race for the senate presidency began and it was widely reported that the two candidates in the running were Senators Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan, many people envisaged a tight tussle for the "Hot seat" going by the credibilities of both Lawmakers. Saraki eventually won in what many Nigerians described as a deserved victory while as expected , a lot also frowned at his mode of emergence, saying it was a betrayal of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). Some of them even forgot that he won constitutionally.

Three weeks after those aggrieved with the outcome of the National Assembly Elections are still trying to make their voice count; it is however obvious that the sound of music is changing going by happenings in the past few days. More of the APC lawmakers are finally coming to terms with Saraki occupying the senate president's seat.

The media were also a major player in the uproar as their quest for controversial reports has blinded the objectivity part of the profession. Hence, blowing happenings in the Assembly out of proportion, promoting propaganda, thereby ignoring the reportage of the somewhat commendable manner Saraki has started his tenure despite all the noise surrounding is emergence.

If what transpired at the APC's National Executive Council meeting last Friday was anything to go by, where President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to all members to forget personal interests and see Nigeria and the party as supreme, then it is safe to say there is end in sight to the National Assembly crisis even though it is being brewed by a few section in the hallowed chamber.

Saraki's leadership of the eight Assembly is stamped and it will be in the interest of the country and the party for those still questioning this to desist and accept the fact that the situation can't be reversed. Contesting an already settled decision is by all means a waste of productive time and energy.

Fortunately, the Senate President has started well going by his actions and utterances which has gone a long way to show that he is deeply committed to the party's "Change" slogan. This has endeared Saraki to more Nigerians in recent weeks as the legislative arm is set to take a vibrant posture under his leadership.

The inauguration of two adhoc committees charged with charting a new course in terms of finance and legislative agenda was a good way to start. It shows how dedicated Saraki is as regards delivering his promises to Nigerians. Despite distractions in the Assembly (fracas over principal officers et al), he forged ahead to immediately get things going and that is highly commendable.

Also, it was evident in his speeches since inauguration of the assembly till date that it is indeed a new dawn in the hallowed chamber where he has reiterated the need for the lawmakers to brace up for the challenges ahead so as not to disappoint Nigerians who expect a lot from them.

"As I had noted in my inaugural address, the task before us is enormous but very clear. Nigerians voted for change. They demand that we deliver to them tangible change. They expect that we improve the quality of governance. Three clear issues agitate their mind today; the falling government revenues and the current fiscal crisis in many of our states, the unsustainable cost of governance in the country and the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria. These concerns have also agitated our minds individually and collectively and we must provide answers because it can no longer be business as usual. It is clear that it is at times like these that nations either buckle up, face the realities of their predicaments, and forge ahead to ensure a brighter future for the next generation, or turn a blind eye to the extravagant facts that are staring us in the face. As it stands, given the trust that Nigerians have placed on us, legislators of the 8th National Assembly, to leave a historic impact on the affairs of our nation, we must choose to show that we are made for this moments, to leave a historic impact

"My fellow colleagues, I dare say to you, it is time for us to roll up the sleeves for history beacons. We must hold fast to the reason we were elected in the first place to listen to and fight for the concerns of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers back home. We are the closest representation that they have to the federal system; hence, we must also be the most dogged-advocates of their demands. There is no doubt that we have great legislative challenges to face and the high expectations of our people to meet. We must see the challenges we face today also as opportunity to look inwards to find answers to our developmental problems. All that we need is patriotism, maturity and unconditional commitment to the course of change. I believe we can make this nation Nigeria great again. But it all starts now if we all can believe." Saraki said in his speech while welcoming the senators back from recess after the election.

Backing his words with actions, the Senate President has played host to many stakeholders that will definitely assist the lawmakers in their bid to do things differently from past administrations in addition to legislating on matters that will largely affect the masses who are all in dire need of a change in the country's present position.

Stakeholders from different sectors of the economy such as oil (Oil Producers Trade Section, Total Oil and Shell development and production company), the Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society groups as well as envoys from Britain, United States, China and France have all paid visit to the country's number three citizen and his messages to each of them was tailored towards strong desire to lead an Assembly that will set a bar as regards legislating.

Pledging his full support to President Buhari's anti corruption and other agenda was more than a positive way to silence critics. Going a step further to assure that swift attention will be given to the ministerial list anytime it is being sent to them (lawmakers) was also a pointer to the fact that Saraki is not bothered with the "rumpus" orchestrated in the Assembly, all his focus is directed towards passing laws that will lead Nigeria to the promise land not minding party affiliations (APC and PDP) in the chamber.