…to involve women, youths, people with special needs in governance
…promises expansion of country’s revenue base
Newly elected President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian women and those with special needs that the 10th Senate will work to ensure their inclusion in governance.
He made this known in his acceptance speech after taking oath of office as the 10th President of the Senate in Abuja.
According to him, government is a continuum and the Senate is no less so.
“We shall, therefore, further strengthen the legislative space in continuation of the laudable efforts made by the 9th Senate under the able leadership of H.E. Senator Ahmed Lawan, GCON, President of the 9th Senate,” Akpabio said.
“Chief among these are: Gender matters, with specific affirmative provisions to guarantee women’s inclusivity; and Issues relating to persons with special needs and equality. Also, engaging, empowering and rewarding our resourceful and innovative youths in terms of protection of intellectual innovations and property, and improved access to finance for technological start-ups.
“We must recognize and prepare for a mid-21st century global economy that places a premium on intellectual content and knowledge, and our young men and women must be supported to engage competitively,” he said.
The Senate President equally promised the expansion of the revenue streams available to Nigeria, especially from the country’s huge but largely unregulated natural and solid mineral resources base.
He noted that these additional sources of revenue will build the nation’s resilience to shocks and stresses resulting from the fluctuation of oil prices in the international market.
“We will, as a forward-looking Senate, pass laws that emphasize economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs,” he said.
The Senate President also urged his colleagues to partner with the administration of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria better.
“We must, as a Senate, rise to partner with His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and provide the required legislative framework and legal environment for him to anchor the policies and programmes that he espouses for the country. In doing this, I will particularly like to address our Distinguished colleagues from other parties.
“Yes, we may have come to the National Assembly through the instrumentalities of different political parties, so it is appropriate to recognize and respect our differing perceptions and positions on issues that will be brought before this chamber.
“However, in all matters of national interest, we are enjoined to remember that we are first and foremost, Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before our roles as representatives and members of our individual political parties. There is therefore, every reason to support good policies and programmes of the federal government, and I call on you to put this national interest first at all times.
“Our Senate, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be a Senate for all Nigeria. Together, we shall be greater than the sum of our individual political parties,” Akpabio said.
