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The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan,has said that the Petroleum Industry Bill will bring huge foreign direct investment into Nigeria when it is passed into law.
He spoke at the opening ceremony of a meeting of the conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian legislature with the theme “public perception of the role of the legislature: post legislative scrutiny and Independence of the legislature.
He implored Nigerians to monitor the executive’s implementation of the provisions of the just passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) especially as it relates to funds allotted for Host Communities.
He also spoke on the relationship between the executive and the 9th Assembly,insisting that the rancorous relationship between the executive and past Assemblies affected the budget circle and by extension, governance, the 9th assembly resolved to ensure harmonious relationship with the executive so that government can function for the good of Nigerians.
He cited the recent case of a leaking roof in the National Assembly.
He said:“It was unfair to assume that the N37 billion that was initially budgeted for the rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex that was later slashed to N9.2 billion had been embezzled by members of the National Assembly when the money was actually domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory budget.
This is one demonstration and testimony of misperception of the legislature. As I speak, this is still going through the procurement process.
“But you know what, when there was leakage, some of these critics and haters and traducers of the National Assembly said the National Assembly had chopped the money. They have finished the rehabilitation. Look at what is happening. They didn’t even care to find out what really happened. So they went to town.
“Without this legislature, there is no democracy. The National Assembly and legislature across the country are people’s institutions. Not members of the National Assembly’s institution or State Assembly members’ institution. Its the public. It’s the people.
“So, I will always advise that members of the public, especially those minority who have access to media should please help our democracy prosper. Tell the true story. Inform correctly. Publicize rightly. We welcome criticisms,” Lawan said.
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