What would have been a breakdown of order in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly was on Wednesday prevented by President of the Senate, David Mark, who brokered peace amongst Senators with allegiance to the two factions of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Trouble started when Sen. Danjuma Goje (PDP-Gombe), while eulogising the late former governor of Ondo State had introduced himself as belonging to the ‘new and authentic PDP.’
Following his Goje’s comment, Sen. Smart Adeyemi (PDP-Kogi), promptly raised order 53 of the Senate standing rules, pointing out that it was offensive for Goje , a PDP member, who had not decamped, to insinuate that PDP had two factions.
“As far as I know, there is no faction in PDP and to lay claim to two PDPs is unconstitutional,” Adeyemi said.
Adeyemi, therefore, demanded that Goje withdraw his statement and apologise to the senate.
When the Senate President asked Goje to further explain himself, he (Goje) said: “I am a PDP member under the chairmanship of Kawu Baraje”.
Mark, therefore, ruled that since Goje said he was a member of PDP, the matter should not go any further since the chairmanship of the party was not a subject for discussion in the senate.
“I am satisfied that Goje said he is in the PDP and so that is my ruling because the chairmanship of the party is not a matter for discussion by the senate. The PDP remains one strong and indivisible entity,” he said.
The Senate later observed a minute silence in honour of the late Agagu who died on Sept. 13 at the age of 65.
This followed a debate on a motion sponsored by senators Ayo Akinyelure and Robert Boroffice (APC-Ondo).
In the lead debate, both senators described Agagu as an intellectual of no mean repute, a consummate politician, a nationalist and a devoted Christian.
They prayed that God to console his wife and children and give them the grace to bear the loss.
Sen. Ehigie Uzamere (APC-Edo), also extolled the virtues of Agagu, saying that he (Agagu) was a firm believer that the PDP crisis would soon be over since it was only a family affair.
The Senate President also described the late former governor as a perfect gentleman, who even when he lost his case in court, took it in good stride.
He stressed the need for political office holders to work in such a way that they would be remembered for good when they are no more.
The Senate resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with the family, government and people of Ondo State.
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