The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has urged members of the national assembly to monitor and track funds allotted for host communities, in the implementation of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
The President of the Senate said, when signed into law, the 319 clause documents would be landmark legislation, that will bring about the massive inflow of foreign direct investment, necessary for the development of the country’s economy.
He made the remarks at the opening ceremony, of a meeting of the conference of presiding officers of Nigeria’s legislature, with the theme, “Public Perception Of The Role Of The Legislature: Post-legislative Scrutiny And Independence Of The Legislature”.
He also used the occasion to address the relationship between the executive and the 9th assembly.
Lawan said the Assembly was able to pass the PIB through legislative and executive cooperation and partnership.
Insisting that the rancourous relationship between the executive and past Assemblies affected the budget circle and by extension, governance.
The 9th assembly resolved to ensure a harmonious relationship with the executive so that government can function for the good of Nigerians.
While bemoaning that the legislature is misunderstood, the Senate President cited the recent case of a leaking roof in the national assembly.
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The Senate President said it was unfair to assume that the N37 billion that was initially budgeted for the rehabilitation of the national assembly complex that was later slashed to N9.2 billion had been embezzled by members of the national assembly when the money was domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory budget.
This, he says, is a clear demonstration and testimony of misperception of the legislature.
According to him, though the legislature is open to criticism, “Nigerians and the media need to be patriotic in information dissemination, as the 9th Assembly has broken the jinx and defeated the demons of PIB.
The speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, added that though the legislative arm of government is the most criticized, and its roles not visible, it will continue to provide enabling environment for good governance to strive.
Other stakeholders at the meeting urged the National Assembly to fulfill its promise, of passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, delayed since 2019.
They noted that passing the bill will among others, strengthen INEC’s financial independence, legitimatize the use of technology, online transmission and publication of election results.
It will also protect the voting rights of persons with disabilities and punish electoral offenders.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
