By Daniel Edu
A mild drama unfolded on the Senate floor during the screening of Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy. Alake, a ministerial nominee, faced questions on Social Media, Culture, Tourism, and Information.
Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadikwon, praised Alake’s pro-democracy efforts during the military rule but then posed a challenge: recite the second stanza of the national anthem. In a surprising turn, Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele intervened, urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to allow Alake to “take a bow and go.”
Amidst the ensuing commotion, Akpabio stepped in to protect Alake from the anthem recital. The Senate President eventually allowed Alake to take a bow and leave the Red Chamber.