Lawan says 9th NASS to uphold people interest in 2020

*As Omo- Agege preaches unity

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the 9th National Assembly, based on its legislative agenda, has resolved to work for Nigeria by enacting legislations that serve the generality of the interest of Nigerians.
In a Christmas message which was issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan said the representatives in the Assembly, since their inauguration six months ago, have devoted themselves to facilitating good governance and stimulating the economy to raise the standard of living of Nigerians.
He observed that their decisions on critical sectors of the economy, before they adjourned for the Christmas and New year, were essentially to make year 2020 and beyond prosperous for all.
“The amendment to the Deep Off-shore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act, the Fiscal Policy laws, Procurement Act and the timely passage of the 2020 Budget, which was promptly assented to by the President, signpost the determination of the Assembly to work for Nigerians.
“The modest achievements of the Assembly within the short period were made possible by the bi-partisan approach to national issues by the Federal lawmakers, the collaboration and harmonious relationship with other arms of government.
“I assure you that this synergy at the highest level of governance will be sustained in the year 2020 and beyond”, he said.
The senate President however felicitated with Nigerians on the Christmas and New Year festivities, saying that Nigerians must not forget the essence of the season, which is a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ and the ideals for which he lived.
He explained that the birth of Jesus Christ is a great example of humility, saying he lived and preached peace, love, tolerance and self-sacrifice, and left mankind with the hope of eternal joy.
“These virtues transcend religion and deserve to be embraced by all Nigerians especially as we go through the challenges of nation-building and development.
“In the spirit of the season, we as a people and government must remember the weak and the most vulnerable in our midst and do the best we can to bring them succour and help them to also feel the joy of the season.
I wish you all journey mercies as you move around to share the season with family and loved ones and enjoin all to celebrate with moderation”, according to senator Lawan.
Similarly, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has stressed the need for unity, even as he called on Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers.
In his Christmas message on Tuesday, Omo-Agege urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Christmas by reaching out to the less privileged in the society.
A statement by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Deputy President of the Senate, quoted him as stating that:
“As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, this is also a time for reflection and new resolve towards ensuring unity of purpose and facilitating giant strides forward.
“Christmas retells not only the story of the birth of Jesus Christ about 2,000 years ago but also, that of great faith , great hopes well as the involvement of many, including weary travelers, shepherds, Magi and others in the birth of our Saviour.
“Also, Christmas brings a powerful message, a call for all Christians to reach out to others, be our brothers’ keepers, forgive and let the light of our good deeds shine for all through care for the sick, the hungry, the downtrodden and others at the verge of despair.
“I appreciate my constituents and supporters’ joy over the Senate’s approval for establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Orogun , Delta State, as well as our success in sponsoring six bills this year, with great potentials for touching lives across the federation.
“There is much more to be done and as we celebrate Christmas now; I urge all my constituents and all those supporting us in all parts of Nigeria to embrace the message of unity and hope that we all need very much today, as we march towards a great future”.