Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her punctuality and commitment to legislative duties during her years in the Senate, saying dedication to public service attracts rewards.

Barau made the remark on Tuesday during plenary while supporting a proposal that senators’ attendance be recorded at the end of each sitting to recognise lawmakers who remain in the chamber until adjournment.

He argued that consistent attendance and seriousness toward legislative responsibilities deserve recognition from both the Senate leadership and, in his view, from God.

“The current First Lady was always one of the earliest to arrive in the Senate,” Barau said. “She was very punctual and would stay throughout the session. She would come here before any other person.”

He added that lawmakers should take their duties seriously because they were elected to serve Nigerians.

The discussion arose after Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) proposed that the Senate adopt the House of Representatives’ practice of taking attendance at the end of plenary to identify members who remain until adjournment and acknowledge their commitment.

Supporting the proposal, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno recalled receiving an award for punctuality during his time in the House of Representatives under former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, saying the recognition contributed to his later emergence as Senate chief whip.

Oluremi Tinubu represented Lagos Central in the Senate from 2011 to 2023 before becoming First Lady following President Bola Tinubu’s election victory in 2023.