Akpabio, Barau take oath of office as Senate President, Deputy Senate President

Senator Godswill Akpabio has taken oath of office as the Senate President elect of the 10th national assembly.

Senator Akpabio defeated former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari as the only on in the race for the office of the Senate President.

The Clerk of the national assembly, Magaji Tambuwal administered the oath.

All the Senators from the states voted in an alphabetical order and after the counting, Akpabio was announced as the winner.

State governors, Sanwo Olu, Hope Uzodinma, Dapo Abiodun, former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje were all at the red Chamber to celebrate with Akpabio.

Earlier, Ali Ndume nominated Senator Godswill Akpabio and was nomination was seconded by Sen Solomon Adeola.

Also Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North) nominated Abdulazeez Yari and the nomination was seconded with Abdulazeez Yari accepting the nomination.

Meanwhile, Tahir Monguno had raised a point of order 3 sub rule 1 of the Senate arguing that one who is not a former senator cannot be nominated for the office of the Senate President.

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Monguno, who is coming from the House of Representatives, said the rules specify who should be Senate President.

But the Clerk of the national assembly, Magaji Tambuwal overruled Monguno stating that the rules says that either a former member of the house of representatives can aspire to be Senator.

Tambuwal, declared the nominations close, with voting and results being awaited.

Also, Sen Barau Jibrin (Kano North) emerged as the deputy Senate President unopposed.

Jibrin Barau was nominated by Sen Dave Umahi (Ebonyi South) and was seconded by Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central).

He also took his oath of office by the Clark of the national assembly, Magaji Tambuwal administered the oath.

At the moment, Senators-elect are being invited in 3 batches from three states for former swearing in with oath of allegiance.

Meanwhile voting is underway at the House Of Representatives to the elect the Speker and Deputy Speaker