By Shola Abayomi.
President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the emergence of Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila as the leaders of the 9th National Assembly.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari described their emergence as “a new dawn different from the duplicity and perfidy that characterised the 8th National Assembly” under the leadership of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the immediate past Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.
The statement further said, “The President also salutes all the national legislators and their political parties for their display of patriotism and non-partisanship before and during the election.
“He commends the transparent and fair nature of the voting process, adjudging it as a plus for the democracy in the country.”
President Buhari disclosed what he expects from the executive’s relationship with the legislature.
He said, “The executive does not desire a rubber stamp legislature. While separation of powers is essential, collaboration among all arms of government should be the name of the game. Opposition need not be virulent.”
He added that, “Stepping into the Next Level, the legislature has a big role to play for the goals of the administration to be achieved…This is for the ultimate good of the nation.”
He charged the leadership of the 9th Assembly to use their influential positions to work for the interest of Nigerians, while urging aspirants who lost in the NASS election to “be gallant in defeat, and join hands with the victors who should exhibit magnanimity and eschew vindictiveness.”