In the face of the heightened tension that characterized the resumption of the hallowed chamber today, a total number of 83 senators have passed a resounding vote of confidence on senate president, Bukola Saraki.
The senators resumed today after a six weeks recess. During the recess, the senate president was docked by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over allegations bordering on false declaration of assets while he was governor of Kwara state.
The 83 senators signing a motion paper, endorsed the entire Senate Leadership.
Trouble started when Senator David Umaru (Niger State) moved a motion on behalf of 85 others for a vote of confidence on Saraki's leadership and other principal officers. The motion was seconded by Senator Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara).
However, when Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) raised a point of order, Saraki refused to recognize him. The red chamber became rowdy afterwards for the next 30 minutes.
Marafa subsequently left the chamber in apparent protest.
Earlier, dozens of placard carrying youth barricaded the gate of the national assembly chatting solidarity songs for Saraki and deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu.
Meanwhile, Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun) has protested that he was not consulted before his name was included in the list.
He has, however, requested the Senate President to strike out his name.