Three months after his controversial election as Senate president, Senator Bukola Saraki yesterday met for the first time with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock, the seat of power.

He joined other dignitaries to participate in the celebration of the nation’s 55th independence anniversary, which was held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Buhari has tactically avoided Saraki, who defied the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), which was rooting for Senator Ahmad Lawan, to emerge the Senate president.

The duo has met twice since the controversial election for the Senate presidency, at the last Eidel- Fitri prayer in Abuja and the APC National Executive Committee meeting. However, yesterday’s meeting was the first time the president and Saraki would be meeting inside Aso Rock, not only since the contentious election, but since the Senate president’s trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged false declaration of assets.

However, despite his tactical avoidance of Saraki, the president had met at the State House on a few occasions with House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who also emerged the speaker without APC’s support. The party backed former House Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was defeated in the June 9 election.

At yesterday’s ceremony, Buhari and Saraki who sat near each other, exchanged banters. There were obvious attempts by the duo to present an air of cordial relationship despite the undercurrents of the raging disagreement between them. Yesterday’s ceremony, which witnessed the change of guards by the Guards Brigade, is holding for the fifth time in the villa since former President Goodluck Jonathan shifted the event away from the Eagle Square in 2011 after a bomb attack at the venue in 2010. In an interview with State House reporters, Saraki said despite the nation’s challenges, its future was bright.

He said the National Assembly, under his leadership, would con-tinue to make laws that will impact positively on the lives of Nigerians so ensure the realisation of the expected change the people voted for. According to him, it would not be business as usual in the new dispensation.
“I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In the next few years, things will be even better. “It will not be business as usual. We will ensure that the National Assembly will be people-oriented and will make laws that will make impact on Nigerians,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, expressed the hope that Nigeria would achieve progress under Buhari. He said Nigeria was on the right path of development, adding: “We will make it by the grace of God. We are on the right path.” Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said Nigeria was on the road to progress and prosperity. “At 55, we have finally discovered that we are on the wrong road. We have finally moved to the road that leads to progress, hope, employment, prosperity and that will lead to Nigeria finally attaining that greatness that God destined it for. We are on the way,” he stated.

Before the commencement of the colourful ceremony, both Saraki and Dogara took the salute after inspecting the parade mounted by two battalions of the Guards Brigade before proceeding to take their seats. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also took the military salute before the arrival of Buhari at 10.05am for the kickoff of the event.

During yesterday’s ceremony, Buhari presided over the change of guards and ceremonial military colours by the Guards Brigade. The Guards Brigade is a special unit of the military specifically charged with the responsibility of the security of the president, his family members and the seat of government, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It is made up of four battalions. The presidential change of guards involves foot and arms drill, rhythmic and calculated steps and checking of weapons to ensure they are clean and that rounds of arms are not left in them. The ceremony also involved the colour party, comprising the national and regimental colours.

There was also 21-gun salute in honour of Buhari. The event witnessed (Click on the link below to read more)
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Space bookers una weldon oooo.most tyms i belive ds politicians are nly playin mind games on d populace always lookin fr one distraction to take our hearts away frm mor crucial econmic maters.

Separation of Powers must exist in this regime viz independence of the judiciary to handle corruption related cases

Buhari has no choice but to work with Saraki.

Buhari has no choice but to work with Saraki.


For your mind

Hmm, and to secretly discuss the "join us or die in prison" issue. Naija politicians shaa

See what Buhari said to Saraki:
http://www.naijiant.com/photos/buhari-and-saraki-with-independence-day-joke/