President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has listed five ways the National Assembly can help restructure the country for the good for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.
Saraki, who spoke while declaring open a retreat organised by the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), in Katsina on Tuesday, also harped on the need to keep the country united while working to ensure that all regions get their rightful share of developmental programs and projects.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, the President of the Senate, also urged the NSF to commit to providing worthy leadership that would help mitigate the pains inflicted by insurgency, most especially on how to ensure that the estimated 12 – 15 million out of school children in the area, return to the classrooms.
On the five ways the National Assembly can help bring about equitable restructuring of the country, Saraki said: “My own restructuring is when we work towards economic development in every part of the country, so we can all take pride of place in the Nigerian project, and no region is seen as a weak link.
“My own restructuring is when we oversee the budget process to ensure equitable spread of critical infrastructure in every corner of the country, so that no region is left out of the gains of economic recovery.
“My own restructuring is when we create jobs and enhance food production so our people do not go hungry.
“My own restructuring is when we educate our children so that they can realise their full potential and partake in the promise of the future.
“My own restructuring is when we place a premium on delivering good governance, fight against corruption, valourise honesty and live to serve the people – without betraying the trust reposed in us,” he stated.
He stated that these were his own idea of a restructuring “that is not merely cosmetic, but has the power to truly transform lives.”
He noted that since every Nigerian will no doubt have his or her own perspective on the issue of restructuring but said he hoped that the retreat will go some way in helping the NSF to crystallise the ideas, and shine a light on the road ahead.
“And so, what do we expect from the Northern Senators Forum in this talk of restructuring?,” Saraki asked. “Permit me to suggest that we need you to pay close attention to the (restructuring) debate, having regard to the various shades of opinion on the matter.”
He added: “Thereafter, we look to you to distil from the debate a coherent message that perfectly articulates the position of the North. We have full confidence in you.
