Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday pledged that the Senate would partner with critical institutions in the country like the media, to ensure the continued survival and strengthening of democracy in the country.

Saraki spoke yesterday in Abuja when the Board of Directors of the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN), led by its Chairman, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, visited him to convey the decision of the newspaper’s Board of Directors to name him the Politician of the Year, 2016.

According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, the Senate President who accepted the honour of being named the Politician of the Year 2016 by DTN, said that the Senate and indeed the National Assembly will partner with critical institutions in Nigeria like the media to ensure the survival of the nation’s democracy.

“I think it is a responsibility of all of us to ensure that we keep those institutions to continue to grow. We commend the role the Daily Times as an institution has played in our democracy for many years and the role you will continue to play in our democracy. That is why I want to encourage that you keep up the passion and commitment you have displayed so far,” Saraki said.

The Senate President also commended the management of Daily Times, saying: “Let me first commend those of you who are part of the management of the Daily Times when it came back because Daily Times is not just a newspaper; it is part of the history of this country. It is an institution because being in business for over 90 years is not a joke in whatever sector you find yourself.”

He continued: “Since the time you came on, it has not been easy at all, we all know that newspaper business is not easy, but that has not deterred your passion for the business. I commend you for that and reassure you that the Senate and National Assembly in general will continue to partner with institutions like yours because it is your strength and capacity that will help us sustain this democracy.

“One of the problems we have, not only here in Nigeria, it is all over the world, is the issue of fake news. So I think it is very important that you write news that is truthful and accurate for the consumption of our people.”

On the honour conferred on him, the Senate President said: “I thank you for the honour you have bestowed on me by the award. All I know is that we will continue to do our best for this country and again to do that, we need partnership like yours towards better governance, development of our country, transparency, fight against corruption and all the challenges ahead of us, we a committed to make this country a great country.”

He said that he would communicate a date that is convenient for the award to the management of DTN later.

Earlier, the Publisher and Chairman of DTN Management Board, Mr. Anosike, commended the leadership qualities of the Senate President, recalling with nostalgia how Dr. Saraki reformed the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) with the introduction of the peer review mechanism among the state governors.

He also commended the Senate President on how he has managed the red chambers which has resulted in less rancour as well as describing Dr. Saraki as a detribalised Nigerian leader.

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