Defection: Saraki begs PDP senators

Twenty-four hours after staging a walkout from plenary, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has begged senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party to sheath their swords over the matter that transpired on the Senate floor.
The PDP senators had on Wednesday staged a walkout over the defection of Senator Yele Omogunwa to the All Progressives Congress.
A source who attended the meeting early on Thursday before the day’s plenary ‎session, said the PDP senators expressed dissatisfaction with way Saraki overruled the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, when he raised point of order on the matter.
However, Saraki begged PDP senators not to allow what transpired at plenary over the defection of Omogunwa affect the cordial relationship he has been enjoying with opposition party.
It could be recalled that PDP senators were behind the emergence of Saraki as the Senate president against the wish of ruling party at the federal level, the APC.
The Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Na’Allah, hailed the decision of the PDP senators to return to plenary at the commencement of plenary.‎
Na’Allah said: “I honestly and sincerely commend the patriotism and commitment of the leadership of the PDP caucus ably guided by Senator Godswill Akpabio and supported by Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
“And to happily say that as from today, ‎I feel happy that I have been vindicated that this Senate is a distinct one and that we mean well for this country and there is nothing we do not have the capacity to resolve politically.
“I thank the leadership of PDP caucus for that very good quality.”
Also speaking, Akpabio said: “We are very happy to be back after a protracted distortion and that we are also happy that change is coming to the 8th Senate through the action of yesterday.
“And that we would continue to put the interest of Nigeria forward first and foremost before our personal interest.
“My dear colleagues, I thank you for your maturity and I bow.”
On his part, Saraki said: “I can also note and add a word to commend the friends of the PDP caucus and continue to show that this Senate is one family.
“As we have always said, the major issue is national.
“We are here representing the country and the people that voted for us.
“The issues before us is not really about which party, but what is important is continue to move to Nigeria forward and I must continue to appreciate the collaboration and the brotherhood that has existed in this chamber and will continue to exist in the interest of this great country.”