The manager of the National Assembly has given outgoing members of the 8th Senate three days to hand over their office keys.

The announcement was made by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, at the beginning of the valedictory session of the 8th Assembly. The 8th Senate, which was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, came to an end today, June 6, 2019.

Reading the letter by the Committee on Recovery and Preparation of the 8th Assembly Offices’ Furniture and Equipment for Ninth Senate titled, “Handing Over of Office Keys, Furniture Equipment”, Saraki urged the lawmakers to hand them over between Thursday and Saturday.

“Please, inform all the distinguished senators that the handing over of office keys, furniture and office equipment will commence today, Thursday June 6 through to Saturday the June 8.

“Distinguished senators are, accordingly, enjoined to contact the committee in charge of the exercise in the Senate Committee Room 107 which is in the new Senate Building between the hours of 9 a.m., to 5p.m., for the handing over,” he said.

At the Valedictory Session, the Senators reminded themselves of the good, the bad and the ugly which transpired from the start to the finish of their tenure.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, speaking at the occasion, reflected thus: “At the beginning, we had the Unity Forum and the Likemind Senators, but today we are leaving the Senate in one accord.

“I want to thank our colleagues who have made this day a reality. Particularly my colleagues in the PDP for standing by democracy and the rule of law.”

Speaking next, lawmaker representing representing Ekiti South, Senator Biodun Olujimi, said: “It is usually a difficult task speaking after the Deputy Senate President. Forty-eight months just rolled by – we came, we saw and conquered.”

Showing gratitude to the term he has spent in the Senate, Senator Olusola Adeyeye of Osun Central stated: “I believe my time has been spent. I did not contest for any position during the nomination. I am grateful and I thank God as I leave with so much gratitude.”

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, who represents Taraba South, earlier admitted that it was a rare privilege for him to be in the Senate, lamented the disposition of some colleagues in the chamber. “We have seen some of our colleagues stand up to speak in order to please their godfather,” he said.

Bwacha, however, commended the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, saying: “You are truly a great team player. That is one thing we will be willing to share with your successor.”

On his part, the Senator representing Edo North, Francis Alimikhena, said he considered himself very lucky because in 2015, he was the only Senator from the South-South in the APC and later became the Deputy Chief Whip.

Also speaking, Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Na’allah, noted that “as long as there is tomorrow, a day like this 8th Senate Valedictory will come.” He added that the session was a perfect reminder that “we do not joke with the responsibilities reposed in us as leaders.”

The representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Philip Aduda, hailed Saraki’s leadership style and courage, saying that he worked for the common purpose of making laws for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I will not forget the troubled times we have been through. As far as the 8th Senate is concerned, you have led us well,” Lawan said.

Contributing, Senator Shehu Sani, representative of Kaduna Central, said: “This 8th Senate has passed through a lot of turbulence. It has impacted our experience as a nation. There are many who came in as APC and left as PDP and vice-Versa.”

Senator Bassey Akpan, representing Akwa Ibom North East, also commended the achievements Saraki, saying: “Your leadership has been the most impactful.

“History will be kind to you. In effectiveness, the 8th Senate has a good place in history and the 9th Senate will have a lot to learn from it.

“This Senate led by Saraki has passed a high number of Bills and Motion. We’re forever grateful for this rare opportunity.”

One of the high points of the last day of the 8th Assembly was the withdrawal of Senator Danjuma Goje from the Senate Presidency election expected to hold on June 11. He endorsed the Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, for the position.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State disclosed this after meeting behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor el-Rufai was in company of Senators Lawan, Goje and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, while briefing State House Correspondents.