By Joke Adeniyi-Jackson
The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been appointed an “Ambassador-at-Large” of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC).
In a letter dated March 16, 2019, Ambassador Friday Sani, the Diplomatic Head of the Commission to Nigeria and other African Countries, stated that sequel to the approval of the World Secretary General of the IHRC, Dr. Saraki has been appointed as one of the revered Ambassadors-at-Large of the multinational body.
A copy of the letter was made available to newsmen, yesterday, by Saraki’s media office.
It reads, “While our role as a regional body is to promote and encourage institutions and persons to uphold human dignity across the world, we must not fail to mention the commendation of our Nigerian team over your resolute efforts in the stability of your country and your firm leadership of the Nigerian Senate which is adjudged to be among the most proactive parliaments across the world.
“Besides, the Commission is not unmindful of the maturity that you recently displayed in the face of an obvious provocation in your constituency during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections,” Ambassador Sani said in the letter.
In the new capacity, Saraki is expected to lead the team of the IHRC in various diplomatic missions across the world.
The Senate President has accepted the nomination of the Commission, while also expressing his appreciation to the IHRC for his nomination.
Reacting to the development, in a text message last night, the Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed said that the appointment is a welcome development and a well deserved international recognition.
“I will say more grease to his (the Senate President’s) elbow and I pray God continue to give him long life and prosperity to continue to pilot the affairs of the nation. Bukola Saraki is the best senate president the country ever produced.”
NEWS ANALYSIS
The sterling leadership qualities of Dr. Bukola Saraki as President of the 8th Senate has earned him global fame.
In recognition of his leadership outstanding acumen, the Senate President was nominated as an “Ambassador-at-Large, ” by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC).
The appointment was sequel to the approval of the World General Secretary of IHRC, Sir Rafal Marcin Wasik.
Saraki’s appointment, which was conveyed in a letter dated March 16, 2019, by Ambassador Friday Sani, the Diplomatic Head of the Commission to Nigeria and other African Countries, adjudge the Senate under the headship of Saraki as to be among the most proactive parliaments across the world.
The letter reads in part: ” “While our role as a regional body is to promote and encourage institutions and persons to uphold human dignity across the world, we must not fail to mention the commendation of our Nigerian team over your resolute efforts in the stability of your country and your firm leadership of the Nigerian Senate which is adjudged to be among the most proactive parliaments across the world.
“Besides, the Commission is not unmindful of the maturity that you recently displayed in the face of an obvious provocation in your constituency during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.”
Saraki, as President of the Senate, no doubt gave a new narrative to legislative business in Nigeria. He fought for the independence of the third arm of government, which set it apart from the preceding ones. His ability to bring about stability in the Senate, in particular and the National Assembly in general has given the widespread commendation. So, also his aptitude to remain undaunted and focused on legislative business despite gale of persecution, stood him out as a leader par excellence.
In its avowed commitment to meet the yearning of Nigerians, the red chamber assiduously and diligently passed 274 Bills in 46 months and cleared 192 petitions in the same period, which is unprecedented. This has made it the most productive legislature since 1999. The legislative arm have passed critical legislations that are pro-people and welfarist, aimed at improving the standard of living of the people, and boosting the economy. The legislature under his leadership also passed bills that are meant to improve governance and ensure that government serves people better.
However, in the new capacity, Saraki is expected to lead the diplomatic team of the IHRC in various diplomatic missions across the world.
The International Human Rights Commission is a non-profitable International Human Rights Organisation.
IHRC was established for eradicating atomic weapons, conducting impartial inquiry of torture in national or international level, mobilizing public opinion for peace and against war, materializing UN Charter of human rights in each and every country and to make UN a sovereign, neutral and rights organisation.
