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The Senate under Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate, has reportedly been the most productive.
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The ninth National Assembly was the most active since the Fourth Republic’s founding in 1999, according to Lawan, who was speaking at the recently concluded 3rd Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the State House in Abuja.
The ninth Assembly passed 84 laws, the most ever signed into law by a Nigerian president. He further disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had done this.
said Lawan;
The ultimate objectives of the three branches of government—which are independent yet interdependent—are to provide excellent governance and fulfill the ambitions of all Nigerians.
“Many Nigerians now view cordial relations between the executive and the legislature as a sign of weakness or submission to the executive.
“This misconception, which we must patiently work to dispel, cannot be further from the reality.
Some people frequently hold the opinion that the three branches of the government hold distinct and distinct spheres of authority and responsibility, with little possibility or necessity for cooperation.
But this kind of dualism is harmful as well as untenable. Nowadays, it is commonly acknowledged that effective national government depends on the cooperation of key state institutions.
“To effectively uphold the constitution and advance the rule of law, the three branches of government—the legislature, the executive branch, and the judiciary—must work together in a cooperative manner.
“Timely discussions involving all stakeholders can make a big difference in preventing stalemates, fostering better communication, and bringing growth to the people we represent.
“The legislature is made up of the direct representatives of the people, and it has the duty to represent the opinions of common Nigerians.
This cannot be accomplished through pointless strife, egotistical battles, or grandstanding. The expression “when two elephants battle, the grass takes the hit” is true.
“As one of the legislators in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic with the longest tenure, I am well aware of the risks associated with taking a combative stance toward governance issues.
Instead of addressing important issues that affect the typical Nigerian’s livelihood, a lot of energy and resources (time and money) are wasted on trivial matters.
“At the outset of the 9th Assembly, we made a conscious decision to work with the executive branch to guarantee that the primary goal of government—the welfare and security of citizens—is achieved.
Therefore, I am glad to declare that this National Assembly has been the most productive since 1999, despite the media criticism and name-calling.
The successes were primarily made possible by a positive relationship with the executive branch and increased communication before new legislation and policies were formally submitted to the Assembly for consideration.
We have been able to overcome many of the customary barriers and bottlenecks that faced prior Assemblies thanks to this technique.
“The collaboration between the legislative and the executive has led to the reform of our financial process, establishing professionalism, increased citizen participation, transparency and accountability, and stringent guidelines and timetables (January-December).
Additionally, we collaborated with President Muhammadu Buhari to assist the formation of the Executive, Legislative, and Party Consultative Forum, which is led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and aims to foster good governance in order to improve service delivery to the people of Nigeria.
“Over the past few years, the National Assembly has provided legislative support and approval to help this administration realize its unwavering commitment to enhancing security, transforming the economy of the country, and modernizing infrastructure, specifically the railway system, roads, and power, throughout the entire nation.
“The outcomes of our work are evident to all. Eighty-four (84) bills have received President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent thus far, the most of any Nigerian president.
“Many of the Acts passed will have an immediate and long-term impact on the democratic institutions, economy, and security of our country.
The Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, the Electoral Act of 2022, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act of 2020 are among them.
The Finance Act of 2020, the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020, the Police Act of 2020, the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (Amendment) Act of 2019, and others are also significant pieces of legislation.
“The effects of the passing of these historic laws will be felt for many years to come. Indeed, the successes documented by the 9th Assembly in passing bills that have repeatedly failed to climb through since 1999 are a clear benefit of cordial legislative-executive ties.
The adoption of legislative measures to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians, mitigate its effects, stop its spread, and increase the effectiveness of Nigeria’s health system are other accomplishments that depend on effective collaboration with the executive, according to the report.
