We Will Be Open And Transparent – Saraki

President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki has assured Nigerians that the 8th Senate will both be people-centered and a place where interest and welfare of every Nigerian is made paramount.

Addressing members of Civil Society Groups (CSOs) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja today, Saraki said that the Senate is ready to work harmoniously with the groups as their engagement will fast-track the developmental goals of the present administration.

“As duly elected representatives of the people, we will work closely with every stakeholder in our onerous task of building a prosperous, secured and egalitarian society, where the dividend of democracy will be felt by the people,” the Senate President said.

He urged the CSOs to be more proactive and constructive in their approach to issues, adding, “I recognize the importance of Civil Society Organizations in a nascent democracy. You have done creditably well so far.

“On our part as legislators, we will be open, transparent and accept to work together as a team in order to transform our abundant resources to the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Saraki assured that the Senate under his leadership will be steadfast and improve on its oversight function, saying, “the budget processes will be transparent, we will continue to prevent revenue leakages and enact laws that are relevant to the welfare of the people.”

In his remarks, Convener of the Group, Clem Nwankwo, commended the successes recorded in the election of the leadership of the Senate and that of the House of Representatives. He stressed that the independence of the Nigeria legislature will expedite growth and development in every sphere of governance.

He therefore solicited the support and partnership of the National Assembly on areas of interest such as Bills on People living with disability, Electoral Acts (as amended), PIB and the Constitutional Amendment.