The Senate Press Corps has commended the President of the Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki for his dogged leadership style that has brought stability to the workings of the National Assembly.
The Press Corps Award Organising Committee, inaugurated by the Chairman of the Press Corps, Mr Cosmas Ekpunobi, gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the award committee, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo, the leadership of the National Assembly was charged to prioritise a bill that will guarantee the welfare and protection of practising journalists in Nigeria.
According to him, the introduction of such a bill, would guarantee improved working conditions, and ensure the protection of media practitioners in the country.
He acknowledged that that the 8th Senate under Saraki, had recorded tremendous and increased level of productivity in the quality of motions and bills considered on the floor of the upper chamber.
He stated that over the two-year period which the Senate President had presided over the affairs of the National Assembly as Chairman, the apex legislative body has so far been consistent with living up to its constitutional responsibility of ensuring “checks and balance” on the excesses of the executive arm of government.
He noted that the development has in turn encouraged and motivated lawmakers towards standing out in their oversight duties, as well as ensuring quality representation on their path as representatives of the Nigerian people.
He added that the display of efficiency by lawmakers in the Eight Senate, once again makes it imperative for the Senate Press Corps to celebrate deserving legislators who by sheer hardwork and diligence have put themselves in the spotlight for recognition by the body.
“A thorough look at the Senate, without a doubt, shows that it has indeed consolidated on, and experienced an appreciable amount of stability under the leadership of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
“This stands a fact that cannot be contested given the quality of motions and bill considered by the 8th Senate, as well as its unrelenting commitment towards exercising its constitutional role of checking the excesses of the executive arm of government as severally witnessed.
“Also, owing to the quality of representation by lawmakers of the eight senate, the Senate Press Corps deems it fit to recognise and celebrate few Senators who have distinguished themselves as outstanding, given the quality of legislation and representation delivered on behalf of those they represent.”
Tabiowo further stated that the Award ceremony to celebrate lawmakers, which is scheduled to hold on October 9, 2017, will be chaired by Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.