The senator representing Yobe north at the upper legislative chamber, Ahmad Lawan, has emerged the Senate president of the 9th National Assembly.
News Critic reports that Lawan defeated his main challenger and senator representing Borno south, Ali Ndume, after the counting of the ballot by the clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori.
There was an uproar from the supporters of Lawan after the clerk announced that the secret ballot system would be adopted for the election, stating that there was a court injunction which ordered that the open ballot should be used.
The clerk in his response noted that he did not receive any injunction to the effect as he insisted that secret ballot system should be adopted as amended by the National Assembly rules of 2015.
One hundred and seven senators cast their vote as Lawan polled 79 while Ndume scored 28. His victory was announced by the clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori.
In a similar vein Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has been elected Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila was alleged to had been convicted by the Supreme Court in the state of Georgia, United State of America, for stealing settlement money from his client and relocating to Nigeria after closing shop. He secured 283 votes to defeat his only challenger, Umar Bago who garnered a paltry 76 votes.
Also senator Omo Agege was elected deputy senate president, defeating Ike Ekweremadu of the PDP and fourth time senator. The PDP traded Ekweremadu for Omo Agege who once made away with the mace.
Omolori announced that 358 members voted, saying Gbajabiamila scored 281 votes out of 358 votes cast against Rep. Umar Bago who got 76.
He said that invalid vote was one and two members absent.
Omolori therefore, declared that Gbajabiamila was the winner.
Gbajabiamila, who was born in 1962, is a 4th term member and majority Leader in the 8th House of Representatives.
For the Deputy Speaker position, Rep. Sada Soni (APC-Katsina) nominated Rep. Ahmed Idris (APC-Plateau).
When the Clerk made an announcement for another nomination there was none and Idris was declared the Deputy Speaker.
