Ahead of today’s return of the 8th Senate from its annual recess, Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday offered his perspective on how to overcome the economic recession that currently has Nigeria in its grip.

In a statement sent made available to newsmen in Abuja, Saraki said: “The process of reviving our economy must be an inclusive one. The best minds in government, business, and academia must be brought together to find solutions. We have analysed the problems extensively. Now is the time to act.”

The statement revealed that Saraki’s speech upon the resumption of the upper chamber would focus on the need for the Senate to focus the majority of its legislative days on solutions to the recession and the timely passage of the 2017 Federal Budget.

“During our annual recess, myself and many of my colleagues in the Senate returned to our constituencies to witness the severe impact of the economic downturn on local communities,” Saraki said.

He added that “the conditions on ground demands that we put forth our best efforts to get the economy moving and people back to work.”

Continuing, the Senate President said: “Since the commencement of the recess, Nigeria has officially fallen into recession and last Friday, Standard and Poors (S&P) downgraded Nigeria’s credit rating.

“Additionally, inflation has caused the price of basic food items to skyrocket severely impacting the availability of food in many households that live below the poverty line.

“The current economic crisis demands all elected leaders to put aside partisan interests to promote the well being of the nation.”

•Photo shows Senate President Saraki.

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