In a somber session on Saturday, December 30, the Nigerian Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
The resolutions to pay tribute followed motions moved by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South) and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC – Kano North) on the floor.
Senator Barau, who chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations during Na’Abba’s tenure as Speaker from 1999 to 2003, highlighted the late speaker’s steadfast commitment to the independence of the legislative arm of government. He emphasized Na’Abba’s instrumental role in establishing the necessary structures for the functioning of the House of Representatives in the Fourth Republic.
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Barau called for the Senate’s recognition of Na’Abba’s contributions to the development of the legislature, urging a minute of silence in his honor. Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) seconded the motion, acknowledging Na’Abba’s prominent role during the Fourth Republic.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio remembered Na’Abba as a pillar defending the independence of the legislative arm during the onset of the Fourth Republic. Akpabio noted that elaborate rules for the legislature were formulated during Na’Abba’s tenure.
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Senator Jimoh Ibrahim paid tribute to Governor Akeredolu, describing him as an impactful leader who championed the development of the Southwest and the country at large. Akeredolu, instrumental in establishing the Amotekun Security outfit, also served as the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The Senate’s acknowledgment and tribute underscore the significance of the contributions made by late Governor Akeredolu and former Speaker Na’Abba to the nation’s political landscape and legislative development.
