Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Monday disclosed that there is a
government within government of President Muhammadu Buhari who have seized
the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
Saraki, who made the statement after appearing at a federal high Court
alongside his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, outgoing Clerk to the National
Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and the Deputy Clerk, Ben Efeturi, said
there is now a government within government of President Buhari.
Saraki said he is ready to go to Jail in Defence of Nigeria’s democracy.
He said what is going right now portend danger for Nigeria’s democracy
because the independence of Legislators has been jettisoned by alleged
forgery trial of Senate’ s rule book.
He explained the issue regarding Senate’s Rule book is an internal affair
considering the independence of each arms of government.
In his words, ”Over the past year the Senate has worked to foster good
relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our collective
interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s business.
We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have
entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote
a secure and prosperous Nigeria. As leaders and patriots, it is time to
rise above partisanship and to move forward together.
“However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within
the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of
Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.
“This latest onslaught on the Legislature represents a clear and present
danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to win and preserve. The
suit filed on behalf of the Federal government suggests that perhaps some
forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the fact that the
Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body adjudicates
and resolves its own disputes.
“Let it be abundantly clear, both as a citizen and as a foremost
Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and
distraction that have been visited on me. In the words of Martin Luther
King Junior, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of
challenge and controversy.
“I will remain true and committed to the responsibilities that my
citizenship and my office impose on me. Without doubt, the highest of
those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to the
subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate. This is a
cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few
individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising
the Federal government to satisfy their selfish interests is the
alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be
thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.” POINTBLANKNEWS.COM
