Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has attributed Remi Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s first lady to her commitment and punctuality during her time as a senator.
Barau made the remark on Tuesday during plenary while supporting a proposal by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, for the Senate to begin recording lawmakers’ attendance at the end of sittings.
Ningi suggested that the practice would help recognise senators who remain in the chamber until adjournment, similar to the system used in the House of Representatives.
Speaking during the debate, Barau said dedication to legislative duties could attract recognition from both colleagues and God.
“Let me even say one thing, apart from being compensated by colleagues or by the leadership, God also compensates you, rewards you for what you are doing,” he said.
He cited Remi Tinubu’s years in the Senate as an example, noting that she was consistently punctual and remained in the chamber throughout proceedings.
“The current first lady, she used to be the number one person, first person that always came to this Senate. When she was in the Senate, the most punctual, very punctual, and she would stay throughout the session,” Barau said.
“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 for 12 years, from 2011 to 2023, before becoming Nigeria’s first lady following her husband Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Barau urged lawmakers to take their responsibilities seriously, saying senators were elected to serve their constituents and the country.
“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,” he said.
The discussion followed observations that attendance in the chamber had reduced as the Senate prepared to adjourn, with fewer than 50 senators present.
Earlier, Tahir Monguno, Senate Chief Whip, shared his experience of receiving an award for punctuality during his time in the House of Representatives under former Speaker Yakubu Dogara. He said the recognition contributed to his emergence as chief whip in the following assembly.
Ningi’s proposal was aimed at introducing a similar recognition system in the Senate to encourage lawmakers to participate fully in plenary sessions.
