Saraki to Buhari: Uphold the tenets of the constitution

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stressed the need for President Muhammadu Buhari to uphold the tenets of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees separation of powers.

This comes as the Senate President revealed that the Eighth Senate has passed 257 bills as of December 2018.

Recall that the Eighth Senate was inaugurated on June 9, 2015 while its tenure would come to an end in June 2019.

Delivering his welcome back speech on Wednesday at resumption from end of year recess, Saraki called on leaders not to heat up the polity with unguarded statements.

He said: “It bears reminding that the exercise of power must be anchored in the best democratic principles. The former US President Obama’s Doctrine of Restraint as a key feature in the use of power, is recommended to us in this polity at this crucial time. Some of the reports and occurrences in recent times speak to this need for restraint. Those who exercise power should do their best to avoid any action that stands the risk of being misconstrued as coloured by partisan considerations.

“On that note, I wish to lay emphasis on the role of the Judiciary in promoting justice and bringing respect to the country. If the Judiciary is violated or eroded or otherwise brought to ill repute, so do the values attached to its role in a democracy. Everyone in the political value chain should therefore do nothing that could raise tensions in the country. Nigerians are looking up to leaders who will douse flames that have the potential to threaten the peace and wellbeing of our country”.

According to him, the integrity of the constitution must be preserved at all times, even as he urged lawmakers to put the country first as they carry out their legislative duties.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders to address the issue of buying and selling of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ahead of the forthcoming elections.

He also appealed to lawmakers seeking reelection not to see the exercise as a do-or-die affair.

“Everything must be done and every sacrifice must be made to ensure free and fair 2019 Elections. INEC is encouraged to engage the parties and be transparent in its decision making. It is important that the people are assured of the Commission’s resolve and commitment to credible elections.

“To all Nigerians, I say this: we must have a country after the elections. We all still have to live among ourselves when the polls have closed and the elections are over. The rhetoric leading up to the elections must therefore be mindful of the need for moderation, decorum and respect,” he said.