Nigerian Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
After a three-week break and with rumours surrounding the health of Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari still circling, the Nigerian Senate resumed two days ago.
Drama unfolded as a member of the Senate raised a point of order seeking to have the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki named acting president.
Reacting to a Senator representing Abia South, Eyinanya Abaribe, who pointed out that the country had no President or Acting President, since both President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo were out of the country, Senator Kabiru Marafa representing Zamfara Central said “If the President is not around, the Vice President should act, and if the Vice President is not around, the Senate President, who is the number 3 citizen should become acting President.”
The Senate however, was swift in ruling that Marafa was out of order.
The proceedings in the upper legislative house caused a stir on twitter, propelling Saraki to the top trending topic on Nigerian twitter.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions:
My reaction when I saw the news about how Saraki was almost made Acting President today in the absence of Osinbajo & Buhari pic.twitter.com/UljKHVAmph
— FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (@Rouvafe) July 4, 2017
So Bukola Saraki was almost made acting president today, Nigeria is in a very bad place at the moment
— Adedamola (@adedamola_14) July 5, 2017
Do these people even know who Saraki is? Man is a tactician. Stone cold politician.
— Bashọ̀run Gáà (@Oddy4real) July 5, 2017
The executive arm of govt has almost RUINED Nigeria in just 2 years.
Buhari is missing & shrouded in secrecy but Saraki is the problem?WOW
— BRAVE/LEADER (@YarKafanchan) July 5, 2017
Abubakar Bukola Saraki will make a better president than Osinbanjo, he has experience and We'll grounded on National issues.
— Governor Kaslas (@GovernorKaslas) July 5, 2017
The most important issues now,which they are trying to use Saraki to distract us from,is that WHERE IS BUHARI AND IS HE FIT TO CONTINUE??
— . (@Tomyboiz) July 5, 2017
Bukola Saraki loves power. Don't underestimate him Nigerians!
— Daniel Akinlami (@DanielAkinlami) July 4, 2017
So some Senators moved a motion for Saraki to become Acting President cos Osinbajo wasn't around.
Guys, pray for Nigeria tonight.
— #OtunbaAsiwaju (@AsiwajuOladimej) July 4, 2017
Would have said Saraki used Ilorin jazz on all the Senators bt the truth is they are united by greed,impunity & corruption,unshakable forces
— Damola Olatunji (@damie_ski) July 4, 2017