President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerian lawmakers to always place interest of the people first in all deliberations and negotiations, while pointing out that the autonomy of state legislatures has been constrained by the Constitution.
Receiving the Conference of Speakers at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, President Buhari said the constitution upholds the standard for all public officers and institutional operations adding that it must be adhered to, or altered to reflect some dynamics and realities of the country.
The President said his administration will keep pursuing the prosperity of all Nigerians by creating more jobs for the people, and plugging the weaknesses exploited by many to make quick money.
President Buhari in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the delay persisted in spite of his efforts to seek more understanding.
The President said he will ensure equity and fairness that put the ordinary Nigerian on top priority, assuring that he will continue to focus on health, education, infrastructure and improving lives through social intervention programmes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, who is also the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, commended the President for the fight against corruption and insurgency, and efforts to ensure financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.
Obasa said the legislatures would be further pleased if the President issues an executive order directing the Accountant General of the Federation to separate funds for the state legislature and judiciary at source.
The Conference of Speakers Chairman also urged the President to consider supporting the devolution of powers to states on some issues on the exclusive list like railway and the police for more effective governance.
