President Muhammadu Buhari has signed over 30 bills passed by the National Assembly into law since assuming office in 2015, his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, said on Wednesday during a chat with newsmen.
Enang, who was a member of the 7th senate, commended the lawmakers for their ability to pass so many of bills within a short period.
“This National Assembly under the leadership of Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara has been very rewarding in terms of legislation as seen in the number of bills passed,” Enang said.
“Some days ago, Mr President assented to a little over about 30 bills within one year and six months of the inauguration of this present National Assembly.
“This surpasses every record that has been made by the legislature since the advent of democracy in this republic,” the presidential aide added.
Enang said the President has demonstrated his commitment to the principal of separation of powers where “each arm of government will concentrate on its core responsibilities.”
He also said that it shows that there is harmony between the executive, the legislative and the Judicial arms of government.
Enang also commended the media for its comprehensive reportage of the activities of the National Assembly within the period under review.
He advised Nigerians to respond more to public hearings on bills, organised by the legislature in order to contribute to the process of lawmaking.
Asked whether steps have been taken to ensure that the 2017 Budget process will be carried out in a tidier manner than that of 2016, Enang assured that the process would be smoother and shorter this time.
He said that the level of consultation that took place before President Buhari presented the budget, is a further proof of the improved relationship between the two arms of government.
“There was front loading with the legislature by the executive, wherein the ministers consulted and related with the chairmen and members of the respective committees in building up the budget,” Enang said.