Date: 2017-03-02

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki was yesterday named as the Politician of the Year by the Board of Directors of Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN).

Saraki while receiving the publication's Chairman who was at the National Assembly to convey the message pledged that the Senate would partner with critical institutions in the country like the media, to ensure the continued survival and strengthening of democracy in the country.

According to a statement by Saraki's Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, the Senate President who accepted the honour said, "I think it is a responsibility of all of us to ensure that we keep those institutions to continue to grow. We commend the role the Daily Times as an institution has played in our democracy for many years and the role you will continue to play in our democracy, that is why I want to encourage that you keep up the passion and commitment you have displayed so far."

Saraki, who also appreciated the management of Daily Times, described the publication as not just a newspaper but an institution that has remained in business for over 90 years.

He continued, "Since the time you came on, it has not been easy at all, we all know that newspaper business is not easy, but that has not deterred your passion for the business. I commend you for that and reassure you that the Senate and National Assembly in general will continue to partner with institution like yours because it is your strength and capacity that will help us sustain this democracy.

"One of the problems we have not only in Nigeria is the issue of fake news. So I think it is very important that you write news that is truthful and accurate for the consumption of our people," he stated.

On the honour conferred on him, the Saraki said, "I thank you for the honour you have bestowed on me by the award. All I know is that we will continue to do our best for this country and again to do that, we need partnership like yours towards better governance, development of our country, transparency, fight against corruption and all the challenges ahead of us, we a committed to make this country a great country."

He said that he would communicate the date convenient for the award to the management of DTN later.

Earlier, the Publisher and Chairman of the newspaper, Anosike, commended the leadership qualities of the Senate President, recalling with nostalgia how Saraki reformed the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) with the introduction of the peer review mechanism among the state governors.

He also commended him on how he has managed the red chambers which has resulted in less rancour as well as describing Saraki as detribalisd leader.