Some Nigerians have taken to social media to declare Bukola Saraki as the best Senate President in the country’s history, ignoring notable figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, David Mark, and the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
This comes amid recent controversies surrounding Akpabio, including allegations of harassment made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
Many online users argued that Saraki’s tenure (2015-2019) stood out for its independence, bold legislative decisions, and resistance to executive interference, particularly under the administration of immediate-past president, Muhammadu Buhari.
What is Senate?
The Senate is the upper chamber of Nigeria’s two legislative arms, with the other being the House of Representatives. Together, they form the National Assembly (often referred to as NASS). Their primary responsibilities include making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of Nigerians at the federal level.
The Senate consists of 109 senators, with each of Nigeria’s 36 states represented by 3 senators. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is represented by 1 senator.
Senators are elected by the people of their respective states or the FCT during general elections, which are held every four years. The last general elections held 2023.
The President of the Senate is the presiding officer of the Senate, whose chief function is to guide and regulate the proceedings in the Senate. The Senate President is second in the Nigerian presidential line of succession.
How many people have served as Nigeria’s Senate President since 1960?
Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, 15 individuals have served as Senate President. The role of Senate President has gone through many changes over time, especially during military rule when the Senate was shut dwon. However, since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 (the Fourth Republic), the role has been more stable, with seven people serving as Senate President so far.
It is worthy to note that some Senate Presidents were removed from office due to controversies, while others were remembered for their impactful leadership. The first Senate President of Nigeria was Nnamdi Azikwe.
Why is Saraki being called the best senate president
Since becoming Senate President on June 13, 2023, Godswill Akpabio has been involved in several controversies and has made statements that sparked public outrage. On July 31, 2024, while speaking at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Akpabio addressed planned nationwide protests over economic hardship by saying, “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating.” Many Nigerians felt this comment mocked their struggles, leading to widespread criticism.
Not long after that, on August 7, 2023, Akpabio made a controversial statement during a Senate session, saying, “To enable all of us to enjoy our holiday, a token has been sent to our various bank accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”
After realising the session was being broadcast live, he quickly retracted his statement, saying, “I withdraw that statement,” and added, “The Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.” Many Nigerians criticized him for suggesting that senators received money while the country faced economic challenges.
During a Senate session, Akpabio supported a resolution to halt an increase in electricity tariffs by saying, “Let the poor breathe,” and asked senators to vote on it. While the comment was meant to show solidarity with struggling Nigerians, many felt it was insincere and mocked the poor. Akpabio’s media office later clarified that the remark was meant to reject the tariff increase.
Akpabio also praised President Bola Tinubu for reintroducing Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” calling it the “best gift for the country.” The anthem, used from 1960 to 1978, was brought back through a bill that was quickly passed by the National Assembly. Many Nigerians criticized the move, arguing that it was unnecessary and done without public input, especially at a time when the country faced more pressing issues like inflation and insecurity.
On July 18, 2024, during a debate on a bill to create a National Road Transport Council, Akpabio told Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stood up to speak without being recognised, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a nightclub.” This remark was seen as disrespectful and sparked backlash. Akpabio later apologised, saying he did not mean to demean women.
He recently had another clash with Natasha when the relocation of the Kogi lawmaker’s seat in the Red Chamber without her consent delayed plenary proceedings for some minutes.
Matters got worse when Akpabio directed security personnel to walk her out of the chamber, leading to the intervention of other legislators.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, Natasha took things a notch higher when as a guest of Arise Television Breakfast Show she accused Akpabio of subjecting her to the needless ordeal because she turned down sexual advances from him.
Although the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate is expected to come up with its report next week, the two warring camps continue to fire salvos as both Akpabio’s wife, Unoma; and Natasha have both headed to court in search of justice.
As the situation continues to spark debates and criticisms, many online users compared his leadership in the senate with others and concluded that Saraki’s tenure (2015-2019) stood out in the history of the country.
They praised his role in defending legislative autonomy, ensuring transparency, and handling major national issues with diplomacy. His ability to maintain stability despite facing political opposition from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was also cited as a key achievement.
Saraki, elected as Kwara Central Senator under the APC defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving as the president of the Senate.
Jasper M. Obaji, a Facebook user wrote; “You were the last senate president Nigeria had. After you, the Senate lost its place as the second arm of the Government and became an extension of the executive arms of the Government. May God continue to preserve you. Thank you for your great contribution.”
Another user, Abdul-rasheed Shehu Ajuji said; “You are the best ever Senate President produced in the history of Nigerian Senate. Because, you repudiated to be a rubber-stamp Senate President during the first regime of wicked President Buhari, rather you stood your ground and made sure you checkedmate all the irregularities of Wicked President Buhari during your time as the president of the senate, unlike what we are now seeing since immediately after you have left that chamber.
“Nigerians are seriously missing you today, Sir, as there is no any President of the senate today that is diligently discharging his duties in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations by the Nigerian constitution. Because, we are now in the situation whereby before the President send any request proposal to the floor, is already approved just to show the high level of rubber-stampship of the current senate!”
Murtala Bala Muhammed reacted; “The 8th Assembly was they best Senate House ever produced in they history of Nigeria that’s why we always remember you as a patriotic citizen of Nigeria. Because you did a lot just to protect they interest of the masses not like this doomed house so call 10th assembly. May god continue to protect you and your family for striving to see good thing has done to they good people of Nigeria.”
Muhammad Abbaaji Sadiq said; “The best senate president in history of the institution as you best clarity of your heart and manners we are really support you our leader and also future president. In shaa Allah.”
An X user, Opeyemi Marcus, with username @ArakunrinSugar wrote; “Ahmed Lawan finished Nigeria. Godswill Akpabio is on a mission to ‘completely finish’ Nigeria. For me, till date Bukola Saraki remains the best Senate President in the history of Nigeria.”
Another user, Ba Lokaci 🚶(@_mai_daraja) posted; “Bukola Saraki will remain the most productive, experience, clever Senate president ever.”
However, some critics dismissed the claim, stating that Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first Senate President, played a foundational role in shaping the country’s legislative system, some credited David Mark for his ability to maintain order during his two-term tenure.
Some said Ken Nnamani, who stopped ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial “Third Term Agenda”, which sought to amend the constitution to allow Obasanjo to run for a third term, is disrepcted. Others, simply said those praising Saraki started following Nigeria’s politics in 2015.
UcheMelody, with username @Ucmelody218191 on X said; “Saraki frustrated our growth ad development for 4 solid years in the name of checkmating the Executive, he connived with the so called NewPDP guys to destabilize Buhari’s first tenure with delay tactics, that lead to the economical failure of Buhari.”
Another user, Abbas John @ABBASFAVOR wrote; “You guys probably have a short memory, or you’re ignorant of Nigeria political history. I wouldn’t give the best to any of them because they’d never make any law that favour the poor masses in this country.”
