Following his emergence as the new Senate leader of the red chamber on Tuesday, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the new leadership of the 10th Assembly is ready to make positive change that will be worth the efforts of the populace who voted to assure a better representation at the federal level.
Senator Bamidele disclosed while briefing Journalists shortly after the plenary session on Tuesday, noting that the Senate is now ready for full legislative activities, even though he admitted they still have to constitute committees before the end of the month.
According to the new Senate leader, the Senate will constitute a Selection Committee that would later constitute all the Committees in the Senate, noting that the selection process of the leadership in the 10th assembly, was a fearful one which shows the level of growth in our democratic system.
According to him, the way and manner the 10th assembly begins anthe d synergy between lawmakers show that the vote of the people has begun to count, noting that their relationships are beyond any political party’s involvement in being chosen for the national assembly.
“The new leadership has emerged for the 10th Senate, and all I can assure you on behalf of myself and my dear colleagues is that we see it as an assignment. It is an assignment that we take very seriously.
“By the grace of God, we will be able to make a difference that will be positive and that will be worth the effort of all of you that worked with us in ensuring that the two presiding officers emerged in a manner that was not rancorous, in a manner that was not only democratic but transparent.
“But of course, the emergence of the remaining principal officers of the 10th Senate was not an issue that was meant to be decided on the floor, but rather it was an issue which, on the one hand, as related to the APC, needed to be decided among the critical stakeholders of the party.
“In our party, the APC, everything is in order. What was read today was a consensus.
“It was an unusual situation that showed the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
“Votes of Nigerians are beginning to count,” Bamidele said.
Similarly, he explained that how the minority leader was constituted was beyond any political party’s decision, noting that decisions were made based on credibility.
“On the other hand, concerning the minority parties, again, it wasn’t entirely a party affair. Because it wasn’t a typical situation where you have one opposition party but rather six political parties involved.
“50 of our colleagues were involved, so rather than it being a decision to be taken at the secretariat of political parties, it was more of a decision taken by members who were elected on the platform of the six minority parties, and 38 of them by their signature decided as to who their leaders will be and of course, this was also communicated to their respective political parties and as democrats, all the presiding officers did was to follow suit because more than a single majority had decided.
“For us, the next task is to ensure we hit the ground running so that from tomorrow we can take steps that will show that we have a clear understanding of what is to be done, the first task ahead of us is to constitute special committees of the 10th Senate. Our rules make provision for six special committees.
“Before long, during July, we will have all the committees special and standing committees properly constituted so that every senator can get busy based on their professional background and can properly fit into the sector where they can add value.
“We are ready to attempt correspondence from the executive,” he added.
