President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly have disclosed that, they need effective executive/legislative collaboration to strengthen democracy and implement laudable policies for the benefit of Nigerians.
They disclosed this while speaking at a two days “Joint Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat” being held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
In his opening address, President Muhammadu Buhari said the retreat provides another opportunity to interface and reflect as a government.
He added that, the principle of separation of power as enshrined on the constitution reflects the peculiarities of the presidential system which he said underlies the need for the cooperation to deliver the mandates given by Nigerians.
Buhari said, the principle of the separation of powers needs partnership and cooperation between the arms of government.
In his remark, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said the engagement long overdue considering the need for working in a symbiotic manner to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
According to him, the engagement between perhaps the two most critical arms of government that need to work together in a symbiotic way is very important in order to achieve and deliver, the dividends of democracy to the people they represent.
“If we tell the truth to each other, Nigerians will benefit,” he said.
On his part, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan said, the current National Assembly decided to work harmoniously with the executive and that the president has shown similar commitment of his readiness to work with the 9th assembly to move the country forward.
He however lamented that, out of mischief, some people describe the National Assembly as rubber stamp because of the existing harmonious relationship between the two arms of government.
“If the price to pay was the names we get, then let it be.It is impossible to make achievement with out cooperation,” the said.
He however disclosed that, It is time to review the achievements and the challenges being faced in the relationship adding that, there are still more to do to achieve the desired goals.
In a welcome address, the Special Assistant to the president on National Assembly Matters in the House of Representatives, Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub said strengthening executive legislative partnership is undoubtedly the cardinal principle on the agenda of Buhari’s administration.
“One of the ways of doing this is to equip the critical players with the information necessary to develop a cordial partnership rather than underpinning our overriding commitment for nation building and national interest. Cooperation between the various arms.of government defines the future in our quest for national development.
“As partners in a nation building, the importance of the executive and the legislature working harmoniously cannot be over emphasised. Since the begiing of this administration, Mr president and the leadership to the National Assembly have created a space to foster and deepen the cooperation between both arms of government.
“While so much has been achieved with tangible outcomes, there is need to consolidate on the gains so far made.
“It is our expectation to improve the relationship for enhance service delivery, accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the management of public resources, in line with Mr president’s development priorities,” he said.
