President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to working with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing reforms and initiatives that serve the interests of Nigerians.
Akpabio spoke in Lagos when he led a delegation of members of the National Assembly on a visit to President Tinubu as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
“On the part of the National Assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. And we believe that what we are doing is in the interest of all Nigerians.”
The Senate President said cooperation between the legislative and executive arms had helped facilitate important reforms while enabling the National Assembly to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
He maintained that constructive engagement between both arms of government should ultimately be measured by its impact on Nigerians and the country’s development.
Advancing Legislative Reforms
Akpabio pointed to the review of longstanding and outdated laws as one of the areas in which the 10th National Assembly has made significant progress.
He cited reforms to Nigeria’s tax system, including the passage of four major tax laws, noting that the National Assembly subjected the proposals to consideration amid initial concerns from different sections of the country.
According to him, the reforms demonstrate the capacity of the legislature to work through complex national issues and arrive at outcomes that advance the collective interest.
“We are all for all Nigeria. It’s a people’s parliament and we are doing that.”
Akpabio said the National Assembly would continue to review laws that no longer reflect Nigeria’s contemporary economic and social realities.
Partnership for National Development
The Senate President also highlighted the pace of legislative consideration of measures and appointments considered important to the functioning of government.
“You’ve seen the speed with which we pass legislations that benefit Nigeria. You’ve seen the speed that we clear people who are coming to add value to the current administration. You’ve seen the partnership in terms of laws that definitely will change the paradigm of the Nigerian trajectory.”
He stressed that partnership with the executive does not diminish the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature, but reflects a determination to ensure that institutional differences do not become obstacles to national progress.
Akpabio said the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives it believes will improve the lives of Nigerians and strengthen the country.
“We will continue to do that. That’s our own contribution. We are elected for that and we partner with an administration which we believe is focused and determined to change the fortunes of Nigeria.”
He added that the task of national development requires more than promises, stressing the importance of translating commitments into tangible results.
“It’s easy to say with the mouth, but difficult to do. But in our own case, we are matching words with action.”
The Senate President reiterated that the 10th National Assembly would remain committed to constructive engagement, legislative reforms and policies that contribute to Nigeria’s development.
