The eighth Senate, presided over by Dr Bukola Saraki has adjourned sine die after a valedictory session which marked its last official assignment.

There were mixed feelings at the valedictory session, when senators took turns to appraise their performance for the past four years.

The Upper Chamber, which for some time has been scanty in attendance after the 2019 general election, was packed full with lawmakers taking turns to speak on their experiences since 2015 when the Senate was inaugurated.

Senator Magnus Abe (APC-Rivers) commended his colleagues for working tirelessly in preserving the Senate as an institution.

He said: “It was the desire to serve Nigeria that brought us here. We preserved this institution for others to come and make their contribution.

“We may not have served perfectly but we represented the highest standard of integrity. May God bless us all.”

Also speaking, Senator Shehu Sani said lawmakers were not elected to only represent their constituents, but also to protect the interest of the country at large.

He pointed out that lawmakers had a duty to define their role in history by defending the institution of the National Assembly.
He said that one thing every lawmaker ought to take note of was to serve with honour and leave with more honour and also by standing for the truth irrespective of religious, ethnic affiliation or party leaning.

“The National Assembly is not an agency or a ministry, but an institution created to protect Nigerians.

“As a parliament, it is a calling. We are not just here to represent the people, but to stand for issues that are germane,” he said.

The eighth Senate was inaugurated on June 6 and will officially cease to be on June 8.

The valedictory session is the last official assignment of the lawmakers. The ninth Senate is expected to be inaugurated on Tuesday, by President Mohammadu Buhari.

NAN