The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called for closer partnership between the executive and legislative arms to ensure effective governance in the country.
Saraki, who made the call on Monday in his speech at the opening session of the 1st National Assembly Open Week (NASSOW) in Abuja, said it is imperative for both arms of government to understand one another better through compromise, consultation and engagement.
Speaking in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, the Senate President said, “It is also my hope that during this week, we will be able to better represent what we are doing to Nigerians.
“It is my hope that the executive arm will also be able to get a better understanding of National Assembly’s role.”
He added: “Let us work together. Let us understand each other. Let us understand that compromise, consultation and engagement are the factors that will ensure that as a government, we work together effectively.
“The message that I would like us to take away from here is: We must work together. We must understand our responsibilities and we must put Nigeria first.
“I just got back from America, and I noticed that even after over 200 years of their democracy, they still go through the same challenges. We should not despair. Democracy is a journey that will take a while. However, we must be committed to working together,” he stated.
Saraki also noted that Parliaments all over the world act as unifying forces in democratic society since the manner of their conversation makes them the true representatives of the people.
He stated that under his leadership, the citizens have unhindered access to their elected representatives at the National Assembly.
The Senate President equally expressed hope that the open week would provide another opportunity for lawmakers to interact with the people and showcase what they are doing in order to foster a better understanding of the role of the National Assembly.
…commiserates with Katsina, Ogun flood victims
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed heartfelt condolences with the people and government of Katsina and Ogun states over the death, injuries and loss of property occasioned by flood in the two states.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Monday, in Abuja, called on the security agencies and emergency response teams to do all in their power to mitigate the pains and sufferings of the people as a result of the incidents.
While calling on town planning agencies to take their job more seriously, he called on Nigerians in flood prone localities to heed the warnings of the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) to prevent further loss of lives and property.
He pledged the readiness of the National Assembly to work with all relevant agencies to stem the tide of flooding across the country, ensure that injured victims are given prompt medical attention and the affected communities rehabilitated.
“My heart goes out to families who lost loved ones in these unfortunate incidents. I wish that receiving medical attention quick recovery,” Saraki said. “What happened in Katsina and Ogun states was a nightmare. We have a duty to play our role to ensure that this avoidable loss of precious lives does not repeat itself both in the affected communities and elsewhere in the country.”
He called on the authorities of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support the efforts already being made by relevant agencies of the Katsina and Ogun State Government to provide immediate succour for the injured and displaced persons.
