Buhari hosts Saraki, NASS members to breaking of fast

President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in the current dispensation has been less than desirable.

Speaking at the breaking of fast he hosted for the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki at the State House Tuesday evening, President Buhari said the nation deserved better than it got and hoped for a better working relationship between the two arms of government with the 9th National Assembly soon to come.

A statement issued by presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja quoted him as saying: “Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the 9th Assembly so that we can serve the people better.”

He argued that the principal task of the National Assembly “is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

The President congratulated the members-elect on their success in winning their constituency seats and opined that “this is a great burden and a great responsibility placed on you by your people. Our citizens are faced with challenges of poverty.

ALSO READ: Ondo set to venture in marijuana cultivation

“Your principal task is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

He assured the leaders that his doors remain open “to all of you who have genuine concerns or advice to improve the quality of governance and service delivery to our people.”

The President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki assured the President that the National Assembly will maintain focus on national interest at all times.

In addition to the President of the Senate and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the event was attended by the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Speaker, the majority and Minority leaders and the majority and Minority Whips and their deputies.