Senate President Ahmad Lawan has congratulated and wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous 2022.
Ahmed Lawan who joined Nigerians in thanking the Almighty God for His Mercies said the Year 2021 was challenging for people all over the world, noting that beyond the challenges, we can see the rays of a bright future from the new year.
He said as elected representatives, our new year pledge is to continue to pursue our common desire of a just, peaceful and prosperous country, promising to continue to discharge this responsibility without fear or malice, confident that by working in harmony, Nigerians will build the great country that is their abiding dream and manifest destiny.
The Senate President confirmed that without a doubt, ‘insecurity is today one of our biggest challenges’ However, I can attest that government is resolutely addressing these challenges.
As a critical contribution to that effort, the National Assembly has appropriated more funds in the 2022 budget to enhance the operational capabilities of our security agencies.
He explained that his message to fellow Nigerians was not lose faith in our country and its democratic institutions saying the current challenges would be overcomed
He stressed that the ninth National Assembly was focused and would never be distracted from the implementation of its Legislative Agenda as we had spelt out following our inauguration in 2019.
Within the context of that Agenda, we have passed many critical bills and have many more to roll out in the new year.
For instance, breaking the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB), which had defied passage for about two decades, was high on our agenda in 2021. With the cooperation of the Executive and the support of the key stakeholders, we were able to break the jinx. We passed the bill and got it signed into law in 2021.
The Senate president further said this piece of legislation would significantly impact the Nigerian economy and propel a significant turn around in our oil and gas sector.
It was with the same spirit of patriotism that we handled the Electoral Act amendment bill. We believe that sustainable democratic governance requires a transparent and credible electoral process.
Following the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold assent to the bill, we shall make further consultations on the issues he stated for that decision, on our resumption of plenary in January.
Lawan promised to find a way forward on this critical legislation in the new year. We are determined to deliver an Electoral Act that stands the test of time in safeguarding democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria.
We are also looking forward to receiving the report of our Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution upon our resumption from recess. We believe that the outcome of this very important exercise will promote unity, stability and peaceful coexistence in our country.
The Electoral Act amendment bill and review of the 1999 constitution would be topmost on our agenda as we reconvene for Legislative business in the new year.
Bashir M