Senate tension: Buhari, Mark, Nnamani meet

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with some ex- leaders of the National Assembly.

Two meetings were held at the President’s office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the Villa were former Senate Presidents David Mark and Ken Nnamani, former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari (now Katsina State governor) and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang.

Nnamani and Masari arrived at the same time. Mark arrived at the President’s office together with Enang about one hour later.

But it was not clear whether Mark and Enang met Nnamani and Masari at the President’s office as Nnamani and Masari were said to have been driven away from the President’s office’s entrance.

Nnamani and Masari, who trekked by the Council Chamber in the clear view of reporters on their way to the President’s office, were not seen going out through the same way.

The agenda of the meetings were unknown, but they may not be unconnected with the strained relationship between the Presidency and the Senate leadership.

Mark was appointed to lead a team of peace makers at last week’s executive session of the Senate. It was being speculated last night that his visit to the Villa might be part of his effort to normalise the relationship between the Senate and the Presidency. It was not immediately clear yesterday whether the meetings were part of the peace moves.

Mark, who came out after about 30 minutes in the President’s office, did not speak to reporters as he walked through the corridor, followed by a protocol officer.

His visit to the Villa was the first since he stepped down as Senate President last year.

No official statement was issued on the meetings.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is facing Senate Standing rules forgery trial along with his deputy Ike Ekweremadu, recently alleged that there was a cabal in the Presidency behind his travails. But he was told to face his trial.

Besides, there were speculations that some senators suggested that they should “go for the jugular” at an executive session.

Asked what that meant, according to a source, a senator said “impeachment of course”.

The suggestion was roundly condemned, even as the Senate denied that it was ever discussed.