Footage Shows Saraki Holding Ramadan Breaking of Fast with 8th National Assembly Members, Paying Tribute to Deceased Former Lawmakers

On Friday, former Senate President Bukola Saraki welcomed members of the 8th National Assembly to his residence in Abuja for an Iftar dinner, an occasion that took place nearly 11 years after the lawmakers initially gathered to serve the nation.

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Saraki, who led the Senate from 2015 to 2019, was thrilled to reunite with his former colleagues, describing the evening as a wonderful occasion that he hopes to sustain annually.

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In a post shared on his X.com page on Saturday, Saraki wrote, “Nearly eleven years after we first came together to serve our dear nation, yesterday it was a pleasure to, once again, host my colleagues from the 8th National Assembly for Iftar at my home in Abuja.”

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The gathering was marked by nostalgia and solemnity as the former lawmakers took a moment to remember their deceased colleagues, offering prayers for the repose of their souls and for their bereaved families.

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Saraki and his colleagues remembered and prayed for the families of Senators Isiaka Adeleke, Ali Wakili, Mustapha Bukar, Rose Okoh, Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, Ahmed Zanna, and Peter Nwaoboshi, and gave thanks for the lives and good health of those who are still alive.

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The former Kwara State Governor also used the occasion to acknowledge embattled former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently serving a prison term in the United Kingdom, saying prayers were offered for his strength.

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Saraki was particularly moved by the attendance of Senator Foster Ogola, who he disclosed had attended the event despite battling illness, and noted, “I was touched by the presence of Senator Foster Ogola, who, despite illness, still made the effort to join us.”

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The 8th National Assembly, which sat between 2015 and 2019, was widely regarded as one of the most turbulent in Nigeria’s democratic history, marked by frequent clashes between the legislature and the executive arm under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Saraki expressed gratitude to all attendees and prayed for the continued good health of surviving members, vowing to make the Iftar gathering a permanent annual tradition.