he Senate president Godswill Akpabio has declared that the National Assembly is determined to ensure an effective working relationship with the Bola Tinubu presidency towards delivering on people-focused developmental goals.
President Bola Tinubu was at the National Assembly to present the 2024 National Budget proposals before a combined sitting of the two legislative chambers on Wednesday, November 29.
He said: “We will continue to work hand in hand and eye to eye with the executive as enshrined in the constitution.”
Senator Akpabio outlined the tenth National Assembly’s aligned objectives, centred on nation-building, economic growth, and social development and emphasized the need to diversify the economy, prioritize education, curb brain drain, and reduce the nation’s high debt profile, in tune with the President’s priorities.
He said: “The Tenth National Assembly is fully aligned with the President’s dreams for our country, our plans encompass comprehensive legislative actions that will contribute to nation-building, economic growth, and social development; through strategic reforms, we aim to create an enabling legal environment for sustainable progress and growth.”
In a rousing and inclusive welcome address, the Senate President who is also chairman of the National Assembly gave a warm welcome to President Bola Tinubu to the joint sitting of the two chambers of the National Assembly with a speech brimming with optimism and purpose, highlighted the synergy between the legislative and executive arms.
Emphasizing the pivotal role the National Assembly plays in shaping the nation’s fiscal direction, Akpabio lauded President Tinubu as an esteemed alumnus of the Assembly and underscored the historical significance of having such a former distinguished Senators in national leadership; drawing parallels with the United States’ historical timeline, he emphasized the swift achievement in Nigeria of having former senators holding the highest offices within 24 years of democracy, compared to the extended period it took the U.S.
He stated: “It is said that no matter how high the eagle flies, its talons keep pointing to the earth. Your Excellency, we know that no matter how high you rise, your heart will always point to this Assembly; Mr President, the United States has been a democracy for 247 years but it was only when it marked its 185th Anniversary that it succeeded in producing two former senators (J F Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson) as President and Vice President respectively.
“But within 24 years of our democracy, we have achieved what took USA 185 years to achieve; not only do we have two former Distinguished Senators serving as the President and Vice President of our dear country; we also have other alumni of this Assembly in positions of public trust: Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other Senators in the Cabinet.”
Senator Akpabio further stressed the significance of fostering a harmonious relationship with the Executive, noting the constitutional principles of checks and balances and emphasizing the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s interest.
Noting the weighty responsibility bestowed upon the National Assembly in reviewing and approving the national budget, Senator Akpabio emphasised the need for thorough scrutiny to align the budget with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Acknowledging the impact of governmental decisions on citizens’ lives, he pledged that the National Assembly will also ensure a meticulous examination towards guaranteeing a budget reflective of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
Senator Akpabio further commended President Tinubu’s efforts in driving economic growth, enhancing security, and promoting social welfare, acknowledging the challenges faced and urging continued support to realize the long-term benefits of policy measures.
He also acknowledged the discomfort arising from recent economic reforms, appealing for provisions in the budget to mitigate citizens’ hardships.
The Senate president also reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts and ensuring responsible governance, while urging executive collaboration in avoiding scheduling conflicts during budget hearings to ensure expedited and effective deliberations.
In concluding remarks, Senator Akpabio reassured President Tinubu of the National Assembly’s readiness to support the administration’s goals, stressing that the National Assembly’s sense of duty, unity, and purpose in scrutinizing the budget highlights its critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
As the National Assembly embarks on the journey of reviewing the 2024 budget towards ensuring its passage before January 1, 2024, Senator Akpabio’s address sets the tone for collaborative efforts, underscoring the significance of the moment in shaping a budget that resonates with the aspirations of every Nigerian citizen.
