Senate President Ahmad Lawan urged the incoming 10th National Assembly to adopt a bipartisan approach that places the national interest at the forefront of its deliberations. He warned that any deviation from this path would undermine the parliament’s efforts to achieve stable governance and maintain a constructive relationship with the executive—both essential for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
Lawan made these remarks on Tuesday during a farewell visit by outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, to his office at the National Assembly in Abuja. In his welcome address, he commended the members of the Ninth National Assembly—both the Senate and the House of Representatives—for their extensive work and legislative interventions that have improved many aspects of citizens’ lives. He acknowledged ongoing challenges but emphasized that the stability enjoyed by the National Assembly and its relationship with the executive has already yielded progress.
Looking ahead, Lawan expressed confidence that the 10th National Assembly can chart its own course, provided it maintains internal stability and a bipartisan stance on issues. “The national interest should define when and how we act,” he said, adding that it should also shape the relationship between the legislature and the executive. “If we achieve that, the ultimate beneficiaries will be the Nigerian people.” He clarified that disagreements are inevitable but should arise from a genuine concern for the public, not from personal or partisan interests.
Lawan also praised the outgoing High Commissioner for her collaboration with the Ninth Assembly in passing the Electoral Act 2022. He noted that Richard Montgomery will succeed Laing as the new British High Commissioner. In his remarks, Lawan extended goodwill messages to King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak, assuring them that, in its remaining two months, the Senate will focus on legislative initiatives that complement the executive’s efforts to enhance security and foster a thriving economy for Nigerians.
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