Leading contender for the position of Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, on Thursday, revealed that unity of purpose irrespective of part differences remains paramount if elected as Nigeria’s next Senate President.
Lawan who was recently endorsed by a few political heavyweight disclosed this while unveieling his legislative agenda in Abuja.
According to Lawan 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.”