According to Vanguard, Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has revealed that his official portrait was excluded from the Senate Gallery honouring past presiding officers for four years, a development he described as “unfortunate but telling.” Speaking during a recent visit to the National Assembly, Saraki confirmed that the omission had remained unresolved until the intervention of the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate Gallery, traditionally adorned with portraits of former Senate Presidents and Deputy Senate Presidents as a mark of recognition for their service to the nation, reportedly left out Saraki’s image after he exited office in 2019. “For four years, my portrait was not displayed in the Senate Gallery alongside other former presiding officers. I do not know who gave that directive or why it was allowed to continue for so long,” Saraki stated.
According to him, it was not until Akpabio assumed office that the anomaly was corrected. Saraki expressed gratitude to the current Senate leadership, saying, “I must commend the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for restoring my portrait in the gallery. It is not about me personally, but about upholding the integrity and history of the Senate.”
He added that leadership transitions in democratic institutions should always be marked by respect and continuity, irrespective of political affiliations. “When we start removing or refusing to acknowledge those who came before us simply because we disagree with them politically, we diminish the institution. The office of the Senate President is bigger than any individual,” he remarked.
Observers have noted that Saraki’s tenure as Senate President between 2015 and 2019 was marked by intense political battles, particularly with the executive arm under then-President Muhammadu Buhari. This tension may have contributed to the omission of his portrait. While no official explanation was given during the period his image was excluded, insiders hinted at politically motivated decisions.
Saraki said he hopes this development sets a new tone for political tolerance and institutional respect. “I believe that what has happened now is a step in the right direction. Let’s build our institutions, not personalities,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging younger legislators to always think of the legacy they leave behind. “We must rise above vendetta and pettiness. History has a way of vindicating the truth,” Saraki declare.
