It was not expected but the tide seemed to have turned against Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as angry protesters in their hundreds besieged the National Assembly Tuesday to demand his resignation. This followed the planned suspension of Senator Kabiru Marafa from Zamfara over his alleged unguarded statements. Marafa was expected to get the stick today on the floor of the Senate but the table swung capriciously against Saraki.

The protesting group, under the aegis of Open Society Coalition, demanded for the immediate resignation of the Senate President in order for him to focus on his trial at the CCT.

The Senate had last week Tuesday, upon submissions made by Senators Haman Isa Misau (APC Bauchi Central) and Mathew Urhogide (PDP Edo South), mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition, to investigate Marafa on alleged disparaging comments credited to him in media interviews and report back to it today.

Marafa was absent at the committee’s sitting on Monday, but the committee insisted it would submit its report today (Tuesday) on the floor of the senate. Insiders said the committee has recommended suspension for Marafa based on submissions further made against him by Senator Urhogide.

Saraki is currently facing trial at the Code of Conduct tribunal over alleged false declaration of assets.

The group displayed banners with various inscriptions at the entrance of the National Assembly.