On Saturday, the Senate observed a minute of silence to honor the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
The Senate’s resolutions were prompted by motions presented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South) and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC – Kano North) on the floor.
In presenting the motion, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim described Akeredolu as an impactful leader who played a pivotal role in advancing the development of the Southwest and the nation as a whole.
Senator Ibrahim further stated that Akeredolu was instrumental to the establishment of Amotekun Security outfit and he was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Also, Senator Barau highlighted that the late speaker, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, steadfastly advocated for the independence of the legislative arm of government during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003.
Senator Barau said the former Speaker was instrumental to the successful take-off of the House of Representatives by putting in place all necessary structures needed to galvanise a new legislature to perform its functions.
The federal lawmaker called on the Senate to honour Na’Abba’s contributions to the development of the legislature in the country by observing a minute silence.
”This is to officially inform this august sitting of the death of the founding presiding officer of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who died on Wednesday. He died in Abuja and was buried in Kano according to Islamic rites.
“He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. He fought to put the necessary structure for the taking off of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic. He was a dogged fighter who stood firm for the independence of the legislature.
”He will ever be remembered for the sacrifice he made to make sure the House of Representatives was put in the best place to perform its functions. He needs to be honoured by this distinguished Senate for his contributions to the development of the legislature of this country. I, hereby, urge that a minute silence be observed in his honour,” Senator Barau was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir.