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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Be more dedicated, Wabara, Masari tell lawmakers� As National Assembly reconvenes for second session PAUL MUMEH, AYODELE ADEGBUYI, RICHARD IHEDIWA, AS the NationalAssembly reconvenedon Tuesday for the second session of the Fourth Republic, Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, has tasked his colleagues to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation. On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari promised that the House would give priority to bills on unemployment, education and poverty, among others. Addressing the opening session of the new legislative year, Wabara urged his colleagues to ensure equity, cohesion and development of Nigeria. He said there was need to improve on the achievements of the past legislative year by sponsoring motions and bills that addressed the problems of the country. Also opening the House of Representatives, new legislative year, Masari who also listed inadequate health facilities, and poor infrastructure as priorities to be addressed asked his colleagues to be mindful of the myriad of social, economic and political problems facing the nation. The Senate President charged the standing committees to rise up top their responsibilities and pursue their oversight functions with more vigour. He stressed: "There must b regular consultations among ourselves on one part and the senate leadership on the other. "Senate will expect committee reports regularly and our impact must be felt more positively in the polity. The learning period is over." Wabara believed that there is no reason why the present senate should fail because enough experience has been acquired in the last one year. The experience and better understanding he however counselled are not enough ingredients," we also need to reaffirm our commitment, increase our dedication and sharpen our focus." He showered encomiums on the staff non-politicians of the senate for their contribution and dedication to duty which aided the success of the previous legislative year. Wabara also praised the media for acting as checks and balances to the legislature but was quick to caution that such watchdog role should be done with diligence, sensitivity and maturity in the overall interest of economic development and democratic stability. On his part, Masari urged his colleagues, "I wish to urge all of us to rededicate and reposition ourselves to the task of enacting legislations that will impact on the electorate. He therefore said that as part of improving the lots of impoverished people the House would ensure that the objective of government as embodied by its NEDS and NAPEP programmes are achieved. Masari also challenged the members to make sure that 40 Bills that could not be passed into law last session be passed this legislative year. He therefore task the lawmakers not to hold a bill indefinitely as the leadership of the will henceforth play greater attention to the settling of targets for committees and enforce its compliance. "During this session, premium will be placed on consideration of bills and I am happy to note that we have improved our legislative skills, as evidenced from the number of legislations passed by the House in it first legislative year," said Masari. Masari recalled problems associated with the passage of the 2004 Appropriation Bill adding that, "it is the position of this House that it behoves the executive to submit annual Appropriation Bills early enough to the National Assembly to enable the legislature conclude action on it before the end of the year." According to Masari, from all indication the 2005 budget estimate may be forwarded to the National Assembly early enough. "This will augur well for good planning timely execution of projects elimination of distortions in the economy and smooth economic growth," the Speaker said. Meanwhile, a total of 10 bills were yesterday introduced to the House some of which include, psychiatric hospital management board, Petroleum product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) amendment bill, Armed forces (secondary role) Bill and Journalism Practice Enhancement Bill. .
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