The Senator representing Borno South District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume has taken a bold step in his bid to become the next Senate President of Nigeria.
He released a document yesterday to strengthen his bid against the decision of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) who favours Ahmed Lawan, the current Senate Leader, for the same position.
Ndume, in the document revealed a nine-point agenda for his tenure if elected the Senate President of the 9th assembly.
If given the mandate, he promised to improve upon the performance of the 8th Senate and make the office of the Senate President less attractive by reducing the unnecessary privileges attached to it.
He said he would uphold the independence of the legislature and “work harmoniously and inter-dependently with the executive without undermining the principle of separation of powers”.
The former Senate majority leader also said he would prioritise and ensure the passage of the Constituency Development Bill to make “constituency projects more transparent, accountable, efficient and effective”.
He said the confirmation and passage of the annual budget will not exceed 90 days from the day of submission as the Senate under his leadership would agree on timelines for confirmation, passage of bills.
He added: “We will make laws that will block leakages, devise improved means of generating revenue, especially through the amendment and review of our tax laws which will help to reduce reliance on local and foreign loans to finance budget.
“We will run the 9th Senate transparently, through open accountability with full participation of all senators. For example, we will transfer the approving powers of the privileges of the senators like foreign travels, allowances to Senate services committee or a new committee to be known as ‘ways and means committee’.
He promised to uphold the APC’s principles and also lead the 9th Assembly to make laws and review existing ones in tandem with the APC’s Next Level agenda for Nigeria.
Posted By Oyedeyi Samson
