Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives on resumption of legislative session, today reiterated the commitment of the Legislature towards timely passage of the 2014 budget despite the late presentation.
The Speaker who presided over Tuesday plenary also emphasised the need to ensure independence for the Judiciary through financial autonomy as the country prepares for the 2015 general elections.
While urging members to shun all forms of distractions within the politickings ravaging the political parties, Tambuwal however noted that the lawmakers “have a loaded schedule ahead and cannot therefore afford to lose time. This reminder has become urgent given that the entire political space is already saturated with politics and politicking.
“However as we have always maintained, now more than ever before is the time to remain focused on our legislative functions. I am aware that the time to spice our routine functions, with politicking may indeed not be too far away, until then however, my dear colleagues, let us remain totally committed to the execution of our mandate as the people’s representatives.
“In this regard there are very critical bills requiring our urgent attention, these include the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Pension Reform Bill and the proposed Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill among others. May I therefore call on the relevant committees to hasten work on these and other bills before them in order to facilitate their early passage. Of note too is the conclusion of the work on proposals for Constitution Review.
“Recall also, Honorable Colleagues, that just before we proceeded on recess, the 2014 Appropriation Bill was submitted by Mr. President. We have continued to express our concern over late budget presentation which often leads to late passage of the budget. Poor budget implementation by the executive over the years has continued to test the patience and tolerance of Nigerians of office holders commitment to their welfare. It is important to note that early commencement of budget implementation is of the essence in ensuring full, efficient and effective program execution.
“Accordingly therefore while ensuring all due diligence and scrutiny for the realization of a pro people Budget we must work assiduously to pass the 2014 Appropriation Bill expeditiously. I am sure that Nigerians can count on our capacity to deliver in this regard.
“Also critical in the consideration of the 2014 budget is the funding of the judicial arm. There have been series of appeals from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and former Chief Justices under the auspices of the body of Benchers on the need for enhanced funding of the judiciary. The progressive decline of allocation to the judicial branch should be reversed in the interest of the country.
“We take cognizance of the fact that legal autonomy without financial autonomy will not deliver the truly independent judiciary that we crave for. Besides, given that 2014 is an election year there is no doubt that the judiciary will be seriously inundated with election cases in addition to their normal workload. We will therefore be counting on the cooperation of our colleagues in the Senate towards the realization of this objective.”
While reacting to the lingering crisis in Rivers State, Tambuwal expressed displeasure over insecurity of lives and properties in Rivers, Ogun and the other in Borno bear all the trappings of impunity which must be eschewed at all cost if we hope to continue to deepen our democracy.
“On the part of government, it is imperative to be constantly reminded that the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. Accordingly, governance must be subject to the strict observance of the Rule of Law and good conscience, therefore civility rather than impunity should be our guide at all times and in all situations.
“The incidences in question exhibit an unacceptable level of either failure of government or abdication of responsibility neither of which should be encouraged in our polity.
“The situation in Rivers State is lamentable because the joint resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives aimed at dousing the tensed political atmosphere have been ignored and today we are having a situation of gradual relapse into anarchy.
“On the part of politicians, I urge that we avoid recourse to unlawful and violent means of projecting our political interest and ambitions, rather let us adopt peaceful advocacy and networking. It has worked in other jurisdictions and it can work here if we give it a chance.
“Honorable Colleagues, we have a mandate from our people and we have a covenant with the Nigerian people, we cannot therefore afford to lose focus. We are in an era of fast and unrelenting political changes. Whatever changes have occurred or will likely occur, national interest remain constant, the Constitution which we swore to uphold remains our guide,therefore the well-being of our constituents and indeed of all Nigerians remains our primary duty and focus.
“This is our challenge and with dedication, single-minded will, zeal and passion we are well able to accomplish.”
