Senate Presidency: Nigeria Constitution Did Not Speak On Ranking----Edo North Senator Elect.
The Edo North Senator Elect Barrister Francis Alimikhena has spoken excessively on the issue of ranking and senate Presidency in the forth coming 8th National Assembly. According to him, the Nigeria constitution spoke clearly that the Senators should elect their president and leadership from among themselves. Quoting section 50 (1a) of the 1999 Constitution " There shall be a president and Deputy president of the Senate who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves". The constitution did not speak on ranking or qualification of the president. The Major criteria required to assume leadership of the senate is to be among the senator elect. However the Nigeria constitution went further to say that the Senate can make laws to govern themselves. It is in this internal laws that the issue of ranking emanate. But as lawmakers, we are expected to abide by the laws and rules of the senate. It will be wrong to change the laws just because it did not favour us today.
The Senator elect Francis Alimikhena who spoke at the end of the induction course organised for newly elected law makers in Abuja emphasis that in a situation when all Law makers are new, the ordinary interpretation of the constitution will be apply and when the so called ranking members are from the same zone with the elected president then the doctrine of necessity will also be apply. Alimikhena therefore called on the law makers in the country to remain calm over the leadership of the Senate and obey the rules of the house. As law makers we must learn to abide by the rules and play the game according to lay down procedures.
While commending the National Institute for Legislative study, Barrister Francis Alimikhena said he is better equip and ready for the legislative business and the developmental challenge that is ahead of him in meeting the needs and aspiration of the Edo North people. According to him, ' Democracy must produce development or it would lose credibility and relevance to the people's lives. I shall neither wave nor depart from my electoral promises to the Edo North People.
On the celebration of workers day in the nation, the Edo North senator elect thank the Nigeria workforce for their performance in the past years saying that much is expected of them in the forth coming dispensation. The change that the APC preach must start from workers. We must reinvigorate and eject fresh ideas and motivation that will make our public service to be productive. The public service is the engine room that help to fastrack the movement of government decision. I Urge the Nigeria workers to dust themselves up and be ready to lay a firm foundation that will make us realise the Nigeria of our dream.
From Benjamin Atu