Ekweremadu, middle, takes the oath on 9 June . Left is Senator Saraki

The Senate Tuesday began its plenary on a dramatic note as 81 Senators passed a vote of confidence on Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

The sudden vote of confidence on the leadership of the Senate which was unanimously adopted by Senators in the chamber appeared to be an anti-climax. The much anticipated showdown on the floor of the upper chamber failed to come to pass.

The motion for the vote of confidence was sponsored by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) and 80 others.

Out of the 81 Senators, 35 are All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers while 46 other supporters of the motion are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

Anyanwu in his lead debate noted “with dismay the continued harassment of the Senate and Senators, the National Assembly Management and spouses of Senators by security agencies of government.”

He said that the Senate is determined to continue to perform its constitutional duties and responsibilities without fear or favour.

Anyanwu also said that the Senate is resolved to focus on matters of interest and importance to the ordinary people of Nigeria in view of the enormous challenges facing the nation.

He added that; “considering the sustained interference in the internal affairs of the Senate by detractors and media propaganda against the Senate and Senators by selfish politicians.”

He prayed the Senate to resolve to pass a vote of confidence on Senate President, Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ekweremadu and the entire Senate leadership as presently constituted.

The three prayers were unanimously adopted.

Anyanwu also prayed the Senate “to call the Nigeria Police Force and all other security agencies in Nigeria not to allow themselves to be used by any person or persons to harass, intimidate or blackmail the Senate, Senators and or their spouses.”

The prayer was equally unanimously carried.

Saraki did not allow the motion to be debated.

He said that since 81 Senators endorsed the motion, there was no need for further debate.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn N’Allah who took a bow on behalf other members of the Senate leadership said that they are resolved to work to justify the mandate given to them.

N’Allah noted that the leadership of the upper chamber is poised to carry every Nigerian along as well as to do the needful in the interest of the country.

He thanked those who supported the vote of confidence and assured that the Senate leadership would reflect the confidence vote in all decisions in the Senate.

The Senate has also commenced the constitution of its Standing Committees to enable it to carry out its functions effectively.

Announcing the commencement of the exercise, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said at plenary on Tuesday that forms would be distributed to senators to indicate interest in committees they would serve.

Saraki said that each lawmaker was at liberty to belong to more than one committee, adding that they were free to also make suggestions after studying the forms.

“Senators are advised to fill the forms indicating their interest in belonging to the committees of their choice and it is a maximum of five committees per senator.

“The forms will be distributed by the Clerk. You can also take a look at the form and make your submissions to the leader of the senate,’’ he said.