The President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, on Thursday said the 8th
Senate was committed to good governance, transparency, accountability and
due process.
The Chairman of the National Assembly (NASS) was responding to an open
letter from the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to
both chambers in which he called the attention of the lawmakers to issues
bordering on budgets and finances of the NASS.
Obasanjo also raised issues of fiscal policy irresponsibility,
extravagance and impunity by some members.
Replying to the letter in a statement he signed personally, Saraki however
assured the former president that the NASS was aware of the current
economic realities and was also cutting its expenditure.
“Yesterday, I acknowledged receipt of a letter from former President
Olusegun Obasanjo in which he called the attention of the National
Assembly to some issues.
“I will want to assure President Obasanjo that the leadership and
membership of the 8th Senate are committed to good governance,
transparency, accountability, due process and responsiveness to the
economic reality of our nation.
“It is for this reason that the legislative chamber has introduced bold
and progressive reforms in the management of the finances of the National
Assembly.
“This is of even greater importance during a tough fiscal period for our
country.
“Like I said, the Senate must lead by example in terms of our own funding,
budgets and accountability; showing, beyond doubt, value for money.
“I have canvassed that we must lay bare the budget of the Senate, the
National Assembly and its affiliated institutions.
“I equally canvassed the need to strengthen the capacity of the
legislative institution to carry our effective oversight of the executive
arm.
“That way, we can ensure the budget leads to the realisation of the policy
objectives of the Buhari Administration,’’ he said.
Saraki reiterated the commitment of the Senate under his leadership, to
work to block all areas of revenue leakages while also strengthening the
anti-corruption agencies.
He emphasised that he held the former president in high esteem and would
formally reply his letter outlining the actions of the Senate to address
his (Obasanjo) concerns.
“I appreciate President Obasanjo for his consistent role in always
reminding those of us in government about our responsibilities to the
general public and offering timely advice where necessary,’’ he said.
The former President had expressed his concerns in a letter delivered to
both chambers of the NASS on Wednesday.