The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday stated that it is too early for both the legislature and executive to engage in 2019 politicking.
Saraki made this known while welcoming Senators back from their Christmas and New Year holidays.
He added that lawmakers should not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow their work for the people that elected them.
Saraki said: “Going into the new year, I can only wish each and every one of us the best as we prepare for the task ahead.
“It is a crucial year.
“As you all know, this, in all probability, will be the last productive year before we go into the 2019 electioneering period.
“Not only is there a need to up the ante in terms of productivity, it is important we keep our eyes on the big picture.
“Let us not be caught in the political fray before due season.
“To each and everything under the sun, its own time.
“This is Nigeria’s time.
“Let us devote ourselves to her service.
“It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills.
“Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill.
“It is my appeal to each and every one of us, that our legislative duty to Nigeria and her people, must be uppermost in our minds. We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people that elected us – or distract us from that which we are mandated to do by the constitution and the trust reposed in us by the people.
“This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance.
“We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion.
“It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise.
“I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.
“Let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence.
“We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit of the people.
“To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner.
“This will help streamline the process – and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers.
“There are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill.
“It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment; I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front. With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committee as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process.”
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