What Senate President said in his welcome remarks

After about two hours of executive session with lawmakers, Senate President Bukola Saraki read his welcome address to lawmakers.

Here are five important things the Senate President said in his welcome address.

1. Nigeria’s unity is non negotiable

In line with the executive’s position, Saraki announced that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

The Senate President further called on aggrieved groups and parties to go about their demands in line with the provisions of the constitution.

"A house divided against itself will not stand. More than ever before, we need to stand for the unity and indivisibility of our country. We must condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of violence as a form of engagement.

"The Constitution and laws have laid down tools and procedures for us to push through our interest as all democratic nations do. Our nation is blessed with exceptionally talented and beautiful people, we are collectively strong and indomitable and it is time for all of us to stand up for our nation," the Senate President said.

2. 2017 Budget review

The Senate President noted that the upper chamber would begin a review of the 2017 budget in October.

Consequently, Saraki informed the Red chamber that ministers would be invited to address the level of implementation of the budget.

"By the first week of October, we expect to begin the review of the implementation of the 2017 budget," he said.

"To set the stage for this, we expect to invite the Ministers of Finance and Budget Planning to come and brief the Senate on implementation so far. Nigerians want to see a more significant improvement in the level of implementation of the budget this financial year," he added.

3. Made in Nigeria products

Saraki urged standing committees to work harder during process of oversight and give priority to products in the 2017 budget.

4. On flood and sports

The Senate President commiserated with Nigerians affected by flood during the break.

Saraki also congratulated the female basketball team on winning the championship as well as the Super Eagles in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.

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5. On Anti-corruption

The Senate President urged lawmakers to continue exposing acts of corruption in government agencies ‘as they had done in the past two years.’

He urged Senators not to be deterred by the attack on Senator Isa Misau who had accused the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris of corruption.

"In the fight against corruption, aside the bills we have passed, it is important that we also sharpen up our oversight tools to ensure that government remains accountable always. However, I urge us all to more than ever, operate above board ourselves.

"In the last two years, we have successfully exposed numerous cases of corruption in our agencies and officers of government and as a result saved government enormous amount of public resources. This is what Nigerian people expect of us and we must continue to deliver on this.

"We must not make the mistake of resting on our oars. I say this to encourage you to keep up with the good works of exposing corruption as you have been doing so far.

"Yes, like Senator Isah Hamma Misau who had the courage to expose deep rooted institutional corruption, you will be attacked, blackmailed and insulted but, unlike any former Senate before this, we will not bow or be intimidated."

Saraki expressed optimism that the Senate would conclude work on the National Transport Commission Bill, and the National Road Funds Bill, the Petroleum Industry Fiscal and Host Community Bill which are pending.

Saraki also welcomed President Muhammdu Buhari back from his medical vacation in London.

He urged lawmakers to continue to make laws that would ensure the peace and unity of Nigeria.