Kwara State residents in south-west Nigeria, say the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki, as the Senate President, will ensure the independence of the Legislature and respect for peoples' wish to elect their leaders.

The reaction is coming after the election of the former Kwara State Governor as the new Senate President in the 8th National Assembly on Tuesday.

A week prior to Senator Saraki's victory, the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s Secretariat in Kwara State had been under lock and key, due to the relocation of all the party's executives to Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, to lend support to Saraki, who is the party's leader in Kwara State.

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Rex Olawoye, described the Senate Presidency election and Saraki's victory as divine intervention.

He noted that despite the initial hiccups, the will of the majority members prevailed.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Media, Dr Muideen Akorede, also expressed optimism that the Senate President, being a competent leader, would provide a robust leadership by working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government.

As the new Senate President settles down to legislate for the good and well-being of Nigerians, it is expected that he would provide good leadership qualities to carry his colleagues along.