Posted by From JAMES OJO, Abuja on
Speaker Aminu Bello Masari yesterday bade farewell to the House of Representatives in an emotion laden valedictory session characterised by confessions, reconciliation and stocktaking of the last four years of legislation in the lower chamber.
Speaker Aminu Bello Masari yesterday bade farewell to the House of Representatives in an emotion laden valedictory session characterised by confessions, reconciliation and stocktaking of the last four years of legislation in the lower chamber.
Decked in a full legislative robe and wig to match for the last time, Masari, in a 12- page address, traced his history to the point he took oath of office to offer service to Nigeria as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2003.
Recalling his experience as the leader of the House, Masari noted with nostalgia that what troubled him most was how to maintain a balance between the pressure of being the Speaker and the oath subscribed to serve the people of Nigeria .
'I have constantly reminded myself of that aspect that requires me to do justice to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and most importantly, the second leg of the oath that expects me not to allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct," he said.
At the end, he noted that all his actions and utterances were strictly guided by the weight of the office and asked for forgiveness, saying 'if in the course of my official functions, anyone has felt offended, those of my actions were reasonably necessary to enable me perform the functions of my office in accordance with the oath taken and solely with the objectives of providing responsible leadership."
Masari cleared the air that he habours grudge on his failed bid for the governorship ticket of Katsina, his home state, in the last general elections, as he believed that only God gives power to anybody.
'When I offered to contest for the governorship of Katsina State in the 2007 election, I was perfectly aware of the lessons of my life and I am honestly comforted with the result of the entire scenario that unfolded in my state and I accepted that as the handiwork of Almighty God, and I bear no grudge against any person or group, but I must as a politician thank all those who rallied around me in that endeavour," he said.
Masari recalled critical moments like the debate on constitution amendment, Anambra, Plateau and Ekiti state saga, ethno-religious conflicts, strikes by NLC, pipeline fire outbreaks, land border clashes, in addition to the passage of 166 bills out of 322 presented by both the executive and private members, the 77 motions considered out of 176 motions moved on the floor of the House, as his best moments.