Senate President Bukola Saraki has challenged the North to start making contributions to the economy of the country. He described a situation where only one part contributes to the treasury as a recipe for disaster.
Saraki who was speaking to members of the Arewa Consultative Forum who paid a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly complex said that Nigerians cannot run away from the economic challenge currently facing the nation. He said the recovery will take a long time but the country has to endure the pains.
He said that Oil dependency is no longer sustainable and the North must look inwards to support the nation especially in Agriculture and areas like mining.
“We cannot continue to depend only on oil. We must look at agriculture. Specifically for those of us from the North, agriculture is key. I also want to say that for the stability of any country, it is important that every part of the country is seen to be contributing to the economy of the country. A country where it is only one part that contributes to the economy is recipe for disaster.
“For the stability of this country, it is important that we from the North must play our own role to contribute significantly to the GDP of this country. It is then we come to the table on equal terms and then we will be able to ensure the stability of this country. The only way for us to make our contribution is to go back to mining and agriculture. We must talk to our people that it is time for hardwork to do that”.
He said the 8th National Assembly is working on business friendly laws to stimulate participation in national infrastructure such as roads, ports and railway systems.
Pledging his support for the Buhari led campaign against corruption, he said; “I think we don’t have much choice because a lot of Nigerians spoke at the last election and said goodbye to impunity and bad governance. They want leadership based on transparency and accountability and the 8th Senate is going to work tirelessly to ensure that we give them just that.
“In doing that we need your support because, we are going to step on toes. In doing that we are going to be seen to be doing things that have not been done before and of course those that do not want change will fight back. That is natural. But our distinguished Senators are committed and no amount of intimidation and blackmail will stop us from doing what we know is in the interest of the good people of Nigeria”.
He reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to pass the 2016 budget on March 17, 2016, adding that after the passage, the National Assembly would focus on the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“It is our intention that as soon as we pass the budget, the constitutional amendment committee that we have set up will begin to meet. I have told them that I will like to see that by June, they have finished and the proposed amendment should go to the State Houses of Assembly,” he added.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the regional body, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, told the Senate President that the visit was meant to sustain and consolidate the cordial relationship that exist between the ACF and the Senate since 1999.
He congratulated the Senate President on inauguration of the 8th Senate and described the National Assembly as an epitome of democracy.
Coomassie said: “May I also acknowledge the support and cooperation the executive arm of government enjoys from you as clearly demonstrated by the speedy screening of the Ministers by the Senate and the consideration of the 2016 Appropriation Bill which the National Assembly has pledged to pass before the end of this month.”
He reminded the Senate that their role does not end in legislation alone, but also to ensure the “effectiveness of oversight functions and transparency for the benefit of Nigerians….ACF shall continue to support you to legislate well…”
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