2019 polls should not overshadow governance, says Bukola Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged political leaders in the country not to allow preparations towards the 2019 general elections overshadow their responsibility to deliver good governance to the people.

In his address yesterday to welcome senators from their recess, Saraki said it would be the height of insensitivity to the needs of the people if elected and appointed office holders allowed partisan politics to override governance.

On the 2019 elections, the Senate president said: “My appeal is that it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance. We have begun a good thing with the recovery of the economy as the core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion.

“It would be insensitivity to the needs of the people if we were to do otherwise. I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the executive and indeed all political actors.”

Saraki said the National Assembly was pained by the unfortunate fuel scarcity that plagued the country towards the end of last year, as well as the needless loss of lives in many parts of country through violent attacks.

He informed his colleagues that the report of the committee on the Benue killings was listed for consideration, and urged the committee on petroleum to expedite action on its report.

“We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts,” he said.

According to him, the lawmakers would not relent in their efforts to conclude work on the ongoing constitution amendment and the 2018 budget.

“It is encouraging to see that the assemblies in the states have already started work on the constitution amendment. I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front.

“With regard to the 2018 budget, I encourage the committees to ensure proper conduct of the process,” Saraki said.

The Senate would sustain its good relations and collaboration with the House of Representatives to ensure that all bills awaiting concurrence are passed early enough and presented to the president for assent.