Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate has expressed hope that the just-concluded constitution amendment will ensure the unity and development of Nigeria.
He said this on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday after conclusion of the process.
Saraki thanked his colleagues, especially the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and all members of the Constitution Review Committee.
His words: “This is an exercise for which we gave a promise and we have kept to it. Definitely, we have made history this afternoon with the exercise that we have carried out not only in the timing or the content of the exercise that we have carried out today, what we have done today definitely is to lay the foundation for a far-reaching reform of our political, economic and social development.
”We have today through the amendments we have done redefined our budget processes. We have addressed issues that have held our country down for many years. We have addressed the issue of saving money earned by the Federation which has always been an issue in this country for many years.
”The fact is that as a nation we now have a constitution that makes it paramount for the country to save for the rainy days. We have also by the amendments shown our commitment to the fight against corruption by providing for separation and financial autonomy for the offices of the Accountant General, Auditor-General and particularly, the Attorney General.
”More importantly also, we have opened the road for a new Nigeria where younger people can be elected into all the positions. Also, by the work we have done today, we have helped to improve administration at the local government level which will strengthen our democracy by and large, ensure more credible elections by some of the provisions that we have passed.
”More importantly, we have introduced constitutional provisions that would help our judiciary in timely dispensation of Justice.
”By these 29 Bills, Distinguished Senators, I will say that we have laid a new foundation for a new Nigeria that will be more committed, create opportunities for our young people and place us firmly among the nations of the world that are really prepared for the years ahead.
”To be part of that history is a great honour for all of us and I want to thank you, my colleagues. May God Almighty bless Nigeria”.
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