I will be fair to all – Lawan

…as Ekweremadu congratulates new presiding officers

TRACKING>>The newly elected President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, yesterday, promised that he would be fair to his colleagues in the 9th Assembly, irrespective of their political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Lawan made the promise while delivering his acceptance speech at the end of the inauguration of the 9th Senate, during which he was elected.

He said that the Senate under his leadership would do justice to all, to ensure that it performed its role for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The politician said: “elections are over. It shows that we voted for a united Senate and it is clear that the outcome is bipartisan. All parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP), voted for me and with this outcome, the 9th Senate is ready to take off as a united Senate.

“Today means so many things. It is the commencement of another decade of our democracy and we will work to ensure best global parliamentary practice among other things.”

Lawan further promised to ensure a secure and a prosperous future for all Nigerians, assuring that the 9th Senate would be responsive to the needs of the masses who entrusted parliamentarians with their mandate.

He called for the support of his colleagues to ensure a robust Senate, saying, “We will not settle for anything less than the best. We will dream big, aim high and take good initiatives.”

The President of the Senate also pointed out that the agenda of the 9th Senate would include improved Information Communication Technology (ICT).

He further stated that they would work in collaboration with the Executive, to tackle cattle rustling, kidnapping and general act of terrorism bedeviling the nation.

He also promised that the 9th Senate would address youth unemployment, high rate of suicide, depression, corruption, insecurity among others.

He also said the upper chamber would work towards finding lasting solution to the disturbing educational challenges in the country, adding that it was embarrassing to have about 14 million out of school children.

He further allayed fears that the senate under him would be subservient to the executive.

According to him, “the Senate will be independent while working with the executive. We will choose unity of purpose instead of conflict.”

He pointed out that he would ensure that Senate’s relationship with stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the media, was strengthened.

He stressed that, “we must drive a transformative Senate dedicated to serving the people with confidence courage and patriotism. In doing so, we are convinced that our past was only a story told while our future can yet be written in gold.”

Meanwhile, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated the newly elected presiding officers of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on their elections.

This was also as he appreciated his colleagues, constituents, and Nigerians for their support, noting that he had made his point.

Ekweremadu, who took to his social media handles after the inauguration of the Senate, said: “I congratulate the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan and my successor as Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on their elections.

“I specially appreciate my colleagues, who supported me as I vied for the office again to preserve the hallowedness and honour of the Senate and uphold equity as a priceless ingredient for building a Nigeria of our dreams.

“I have made my point and my colleagues have made their choice. It is now for us all to join hands across all divides to work for the success of the 9th Senate and National Assembly as well as the peace and prosperity of our nation.

“I am deeply indebted in gratitude to the good people of Enugu West and well-meaning Nigerians, whose support and prayers have seen me this far. They can rest assured that I will continue to give them quality representation”.