Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment and punctuality during her 12-year tenure in the Senate earned her both the respect of her colleagues and God’s reward.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Barau backed a proposal by Senator Abdul Ningi to introduce end-of-session attendance records to recognise lawmakers who remain in the chamber until adjournment.
The proposal came as fewer than 50 senators were present in the chamber ahead of adjournment.
Using Remi Tinubu as an example, Barau said dedication to legislative duties does not go unnoticed.
“I will give you a good example. The current first lady, she used to be the number one person, first person that always came to this senate,” he said.
“When she was in the senate, the most punctual, very punctual, and she would stay throughout the session.
“She would come here before any other person. So, you see, God has rewarded her with the position of first lady.”
Remi Tinubu represented Lagos Central Senatorial District from June 2011 until June 2023 before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady following President Bola Tinubu’s election in 2023.
Barau urged senators to take their legislative responsibilities seriously, stressing that they were elected to serve Nigerians.
“Not only the leadership, but even God rewards those who are serious with their businesses, who are serious with their representation,” he said.
“Because the representation that you do, you do it on behalf of the people, and have to do it in the best manner possible. Because you are being brought here to serve the people, to serve the entire nation.”
Also supporting the proposal, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno recalled receiving an award for punctuality during his time in the House of Representatives under former Speaker Yakubu Dogara. He said the recognition helped pave the way for his emergence as chief whip in the current Senate.
The proposal by Ningi seeks to mirror the House of Representatives’ practice of recording attendance at the close of plenary to identify lawmakers who stay until adjournment and acknowledge their commitment.
