by Alexander O. Onukwue

There is no happier politician in the country now than Senate President Bukola Saraki.

It will be an exaggeration to say he is “relieved” by the judgement; it seemed plausible that he would walk, politically and due to perceived holes in the process. The Federal Government could not make a case against him, he has the support of virtually all of his colleagues in the Senate, and 2019 is around the corner.

With two-terms as Governor under the PDP, and a swashbuckling swing to the top of the Senate against the tide of his new party, the ruling APC, Saraki is arguably the most tactful politician in the country bar none. Given his heritage, he has benefitted from the fortune of privilege but he is a genuine artisan in these dark arts of political manoeuvring.

In a statement celebrating his victory on Wednesday, he is already looking ahead, with “no grudges” against anyone, and vowing to put behind him the distractions of the now concluded trial to “deliver the expectations of all Nigerians and show that the 8th Senate can help to improve the quality of lives of our people”. The statement ended with an exclamation mark – the sign of one happy to be triumphant, but also firm in what he would want to do going forward.

And what exactly would he do going forward? Who can know Saraki’s mind?

The response from an aide at the Presidency described the judgment as “hogwash”, Itse Sagay says they will appeal, but in all these, it is with Saraki that all the cards now lie. He has run the first course of this show with the cheery but dead-cert demeanor of a Roger Federer on grass, replying a surprise hot serve with a backhand landing just after the net.

He has the Presidency where he wants them. For the remaining two years of the Buhari administration, we may see the Senate President wield more of his power and be a bit more vocal on issues, because the monkey is off his back. He is almost certainly going to be returned when he does his stomach infrastructure duties to his constituencies from next year. There are no such guarantees for the President and his Vice.

Perhaps that is why a deal has been reached for the 2018 Budget to be passed and signed into law by the end of this year – that is entirely up to Saraki to decide. He has the Presidency where he wants them. Will it be a lob or a smash?