Sen. Bukola Saraki (APC-Kwara Central) was on Tuesday sworn-in as President of the 8th Senate, while Ike Ekweremadu (PDP-Enugu-West) was sworn in as Deputy Senate President.
Saraki’s swearing in by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa, followed his nomination by Sen. Ahmed Yerima (APC- Zamfara West) and seconded by Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West).
51 senators, including Sen. Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe North), were not present as at 10:30 a.m. when Sen. Saraki was returned as elected.
Lawan was a major contender for the seat of the President of the Senate and was the choice of the APC during the Saturday mock election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lawan alongside other supporters had allegedly gone for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari aimed at resolving the impasse among the contenders.
Meanwhile, Ekweremadu was sworn as Deputy President of the Senate, after he polled 54 votes to defeat Sen. Ali Ndume (APC- Borno-South), who polled 20 votes, while one vote was declared invalid.
NAN reports that the day’s activity started at 10 a.m. with the reading of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclamation by the Clerk of National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Abubakar Maikasuwa.
Thereafter, former President of the Senate, David Mark, and other senators-elect took their oath of office.
Maikasuwa later ordered the Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Mr Adedotun Durojaiye, to take roll call of the Senators-elect present at the Hallowed Chamber.
Maikasuwa, in the course of the roll call, cautioned all senators-elect against raising any Point of Order.
Election then commenced at 10.30 a.m. (NAN)