Senate Majority Leader and a candidate for the position of Senate
President, Ahmed Lawan, yesterday promised to pay serious attention to
resolving the crisis that had bedeviled Nigeria’s budgeting system if
elected.
Unveiling his legislative agenda in Abuja, Lawan said that the 9th
Senate under his leadership would be committed to the unity of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and her people and not one divided on the
basis of political parties, religion or geo-political zones.
“As there is no dichotomy between parties here, there will be no
dichotomy along party or whatever lines in the 9th Senate,” he said.
Lawan said unity of purpose among all senators across party lines was
paramount in achieving the needed development of the country.
On executive-legislature relationship, he said: “Since we have all
seen how unproductive rancorous relationship between the National
Assembly and the executive has been over the years, the 9th one will
work very cordially with the executive. Our relationship with the
executive will be driven by national interest anchored on cooperation,
partnership and mutual respect.”
The Senate Leader, however, said the 9th Senate as constitutionally
empowered would not be a rubber stamp to the executive, adding: “If
there is need for disagreement in the interest of Nigerians, they will
disagree with the executive but with dignity and respect.”
He added that since what Nigerians want from government be it the
executive or legislative arm is good governance, the 9th Senate under
his leadership would in collaboration with the House of
Representatives ensure that the required legislative interventions
were made across the various sectors.
His words: “On education, the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004
will be amended to ensure that millions of out of school children are
made to be in school as a way of addressing the security challenges in
the land just as moves being made on diversification of the economy by
the government will be legislatively enhanced.”
He assured that Nigeria would have predictable budget cycle as against
yearly budget delays.
“The current trend of not having predictable budget cycle does not
augur well for the country which by the grace of God, will be
addressed by the 9th Senate and by extension, National Assembly in
collaboration with the executive arm of government.
“In achieving this, specific time and window of activities from
presentation to consideration, passage and signing into law by the
President shall be worked out. Since it takes two to tango and budget
proposals are initiated from the executives, the leadership of the 9th
National Assembly shall interface with the executive on the need for
early presentation of budget proposals and cooperation during
consideration for speedy passage by the National Assembly,” he said.
Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila,
who is also running for Speakership of the 9th Assembly and Ahmed
Wase, who is aspiring for the Deputy Speakership position, were at the
event but none of the six female senators-elect across party lines
attended.
A total of 41 senators-elect attended the ceremony. (The Guardian)
