Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday pledged to protect the independence of the legislative arm of government.
Saraki stated this in his inaugural address after his inauguration as President of the Eight Senate.
“It will be my responsibility to protect the independence of the legislative arm of our government in the overall interest of our democracy,” Saraki said
The Senate President said he will do so with the understanding that legislative autonomy must be embedded within the collaborative framework that allows government to function more effectively in bringing the greater good to the greatest number of the people.
He noted that their quest for autonomy must not lead them into pursuing adversarial relationship with other arms of government, especially the executive.
Saraki also said that their oversight duties must be constructive, supportive and productive, “believing that while we all have different roles to play, we have a common responsibility to the people of Nigeria.”
He said: “I am immensely delighted that only a few months after we have witnessed an uncommon democratic transition in our country, we are witnessing yet again, a further consolidation of that lofty victory for our country and our democracy.
“I want to thank all members of the National Assembly, especially the distinguished Senators for your maturity and patriotism in the exercise that we have just concluded in electing the leadership of the eighth Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We have demonstrated that even though we may belong to different persuasions and parties, we are ultimately united by our common desire to entrench democracy and allow its core principles guide the conduct of our political affairs.
“I thank all those who have supported me and journeyed with me through the difficult road that has brought us here.
“I believe that the courage and the commitment that you have demonstrated go beyond your support for any individual’s ambition.
“I believe that what you have demonstrated is an unflinching commitment to the sanctity and integrity of this hallowed chamber as the primary bastion for the government of the people, by the people, for the people.
“Beyond any political party or personal victory, the 2015 general elections, in many ways, represent a major watershed in the political annals of our great country.
“And for long would that moment be remembered as the period when our democracy truly came of age.
“The uniqueness of that moment, fired by our people’s overwhelming desire for change would remain an inspiration for the future generation of our country.
“However, the enormous responsibilities that it imposes on those of us who occupy leadership positions in our respective capacity at this time can hardly be over-emphasized.
“The change that our people voted for is a change from a life of poverty, misery and hopelessness to a life of prosperity, happiness and confidence in the future; a change from a pervasive culture of fear to a life of security and comfort; a change from impunity and elite arrogance to a life of accountability and respect for every citizen, regardless of tribe, gender, religion, region or political persuasion.
“This is the change that all of us in this National Assembly must strive to bring about, if we must justify the privilege of representation conferred on us by our people.
“Nigerians want to see a proactive National Assembly that will devote itself to rigorous thinking, rolling up sleeves to forge a new and prosperous Nigeria.
“As the President of the eighth Senate and the Chairman of this National Assembly, I shall be guided by the enormity of the responsibilities that this moment imposes on us all.
“As a first among equals, I shall strive at all times to be just, equitable and fair to all.
“I shall work with you all to build a National Assembly that will enjoy greater confidence and trust among the people that we represent. We shall entrench greater openness and accountability.
“We shall strengthen our capacity for public engagement as well as broaden access for inclusion, recognizing that this temple of democracy belongs to all the people of our country.
“Modern democracy is built on the principle of separation of powers.
“It will be my responsibility to protect the independence of the legislative arm of our government in the overall interest of our democracy.
“However, I will pursue this duty with the understanding that our autonomy must be embedded within the collaborative framework that allows government to function more effectively in bringing the greater good to the greatest number of our people.
“Our quest for autonomy must not lead us into pursuing adversarial relationship with other arms of government, especially the executive.
“Our oversight duties must be constructive, supportive and productive, believing that while we all have different roles to play; we have a common responsibility to the people of Nigeria.
“At this juncture, permit me distinguished Senators, Honourable Members to salute the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for remaining steadfast in his defence of the right of the National Assembly members to choose its own leaders.
“With his principled position, he has laid a solid foundation for the stability of the 8th National Assembly and for strengthening our democracy.
“On behalf of my colleagues in the Senate (and the House of Representatives,) I promise that we shall reward the great confidence you have reposed in us by being worthy partners and dependable ally in the great task ahead.
“Similarly, I thank all the leaders of our party, the All Progressives Congress for the leadership you have provided and the efforts you have made in providing guidance and in managing the process that would lead to amicable resolution of the conflict and contention that any democratic process necessarily generates.
“Now we can move forward with renewed confidence in our efforts to build a stronger and virile party, where all members would find comfort and space to pursue their legitimate aspirations.
“Shall end this address by expressing the immense gratitude of all members of the 7th Senate and House of Representatives to His Excellency, David Bonaventure Mark, for the uncommon leadership that you have provided for us over the years, which has stabilized the National Assembly and paved the way for the enormous achievements that were recorded under your leadership.”
