NEWLY-ELECTED Senate President Godswill Akpabio has promised that the upper chamber would carry out thorough oversight of the activities of the executive, including those of ministries, departments and agencies (MDA).
Akpabio stated this in his inaugural address on Tuesday, June 13, in Abuja.
“We shall carry out very serious oversight functions to make sure we do not waste the resources of the country. We’ll put members of the executive on their toes, especially the ministers when they are ready to work when they are appointed,” he said.
The former Akwa-Ibom State governor, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West in the Senate, also promised to bring “uncommon changes” to the nation, in the economy, security, and job creation, and in supporting persons with disability.
He said, “We shall pay particular attention to issues relating to persons with disabilities and the vulnerable in our dear society. We’ll engage in any legislative action that will bring about empowerment and stop our youth from being recruited into banditry, Boko Haram and others. We’ll pay special attention to insecurity. We’ll work closely with the executive to ensure that we can sleep with our two eyes closed and we can travel by road and rail without fear, let or hindrances.”
Akpabio vowed to work with the President Bola Tinubu-led government to improve the country’s revenue.
According to him, for the first time, the Senate has members from eight political parties, which he said would enable them to deploy their skills and wisdom to make the nation enjoy better governance and reap more dividend .
Akpabio explained that the mission of the 10th Senate was to renew hope in Nigerians to ensure the revitalisation of the Nigerian economy. “Working closely with the executive, we will not betray the people of Nigeria,” he promised.
He added, “We’ll look into the existing laws and work closely with the House of Representatives to realign them to ensure that they are suited for purpose, and they see the current realities of the artificial intelligence that the world is facing today.
“We will try our best to also make laws that will move Nigeria forward and encourage foreign direct investment into the country. The current administration has brought about the acronym of ‘New Hope’. This Senate will join in ensuring a total renewal of hope for Nigerians where there seems to have no hope.”
He promised further to strengthen the “legislative pace” made by the 9th Senate. He said the Senate would look into what the states do to ensure progress in the country.
He lauded the 9th Senate for doing well in budget approval for the executive, and in ensuring the country maintain the January to December budget cycle.
The new Senate President charged the Federal government and Nigerians to grow the nation by consuming local products.
He decried the low number of women in the Senate and hoped that more women would come into the chamber through the next election.
Speaking with reporters, the immediate past president of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, promised to provide guidance for the 10th Senate, especially the principal officers and the first-timers.
The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated today, June 13, and The ICIR reported how Tajudeen Abbas, representing the Zaria Federal constituency, emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ [email protected]