Ekweremadu speaks on 9th National Assembly

BY: Oliseama Okwuchukwu

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, says the 9th National Assembly will rise above political, religious, and ethnic divides to address the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian people.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ekweremadu made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu on Friday.

Ekweremadu, according to the statement, spoke during a dinner to mark the end of the orientation programme organised for 9th National Assembly members-elect.

He described the National Assembly as a microcosm of Nigeria.

He stressed that bringing together the members-elect from across the country had not only helped them to garner basic legislative knowledge, but familiarise with one another and better appreciate peculiar challenges faced by various parts of Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “After elections, comes the onerous business of governance and I am greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and determination of distinguished senators and honourable members-elect to rise above narrow politics.

“It gladdens the heart that members-elect are aware that once sworn-in as distinguished senators and honourable members, we are bound by our oath of office and rules, to always act in the overall interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being, and prosperity of Nigeria.

“We are bound by these instruments to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We may all have come in different vehicles as represented by our various political parties, but poverty and hunger faced by the masses of Nigeria have no political party,we may profess different religions but the insecurity taking a toll on our people has no religion.

“Therefore, it is imperative and we are indeed inclined to work as a team for the peace, justice, equity, and national prosperity, irrespective of political leanings and diversities.

“Ours is a call to service, a call to deliver democracy dividends, a call to meet the expectations of our people, and a call to ensure that the government of Nigeria works for the people and I have no doubt that we will deliver on our mandates.”

Ekweremadu urged the federal lawmakers-elect to remain true to the oath of allegiance they would take on the inauguration day, to serve the people.