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)

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