Don't allow 2019 politicking overshadow governance, SP tells Buhari, others

Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the executive and legislative arms of government not to allow the 2019 politicking overshadow the larger work of governance.

Recall that seven governors had endorsedPresident Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

But addressing lawmakers at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, Saraki advised all elected officers to avoid acts capable of distracting them from delivering on their mandate to the people.

“This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance,” Saraki began.

“We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion. It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise.

"I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.

“Distinguished colleagues, let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence.

"We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit the people.

“To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process - and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers,” the Senate President said.

Saraki described the fuel scarcity situation experienced by Nigerians during the yuletide season as a man-made occurrence.

“We seek the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians as we try to get to the bottom of the fuel scarcity. My own estimation of the fuel scarcity phenomenon is that it is man-made. We thought we had left the problem of fuel queues firmly in the past in this country, but sadly, that appears not to be the case."

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Saraki further condemned the killings in Benue state adding that the Senate would ensure that justice is served.

“You will agree with me that even more sober reflection attends the killings in some parts of the country, particularly recent tragic events in Benue State.

“We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts.

“Human life is sacred. We state without equivocation that Nigerian life must become sacred. When we fail in our duty to protect Nigerian lives, it is a tragedy and an indictment on us all. We as the 8th Senate stand ready to help find solutions to assuage the hurt to affected parts, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to enthrone peace in all four corners of this country,” Saraki added.

Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello has assured President Buhari of massive votes from Kogi state in 2019.