Executive is not in competition with NASS —SGF Mustapha

Secretary to the Government of Federation [SGF], Boss Mustapha on Monday stated that Executive is not in competition with the legislative arm of government. 

Boss who appeared before the Senate leadership to solicit for their support on government policies added that without the support of the National Assembly it will be difficult to give dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

Speaking further,  boss said the constitution of the of the country is very clear on the issue of separation of powers among arms of government, therefore there is no need for rivalry. 

SGF commended the Senate President for his leadership which has tremendously in stabilizing the polity in the country.

According to him,  Let me put it on record that your leadership has helped tremendously in stabilizing the polity and also given the purposeful direction that we require at the Presidency to ensure that we deliver on the promises that we made to the Nigeria people when we sought for their mandate in 2015.

Boss said, “”The role of the National Assembly is quite distinct. You (National Assembly) legislate for the good governance of the Federation; you provide oversight and you also ensure that funds that are appropriated are used judiciously for the purposes they are meant and for the benefit of the people of Nigeria. 

“So your responsibility is so enormous in this enterprise. I will say this and I will say it quite frankly sir, we are not in competition with the National Assembly. We are not rivals with the National Assembly. We are joint partners in this enterprise. 

“If the National Assembly does not cooperate with the Presidency, I am not very sure we will be able to achieve the desired result that we want to see given the mandate that we have freely received from the people of Nigeria. 

“So, this is basically to come and assure you that in every area that you are soliciting for the cooperation of the Presidency, being the Secretary to the Government, I would ensure that the National Assembly receives that cooperation because jointly if we work together.

Whatever has been lost in the past we can quickly redeem and recover and make progress so that by the time the first four-year mandate that we received comes to an end, we can show on our scorecard that these were the promises we made. 

“Mr. President is passionate about the three-pronged approach that he has brought to government.”

Enumerating the goals of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration,  Boss said, “One, to fight for the security of the country and defeat insurgency in every part of this country. 

“Two, to diversify the economy and thirdly, to fight corruption and ensure, in his very common parlance, if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.

” So, it is on these three-pronged approach that he has said that I can tell you that none of these three-pronged approach can be achieved if we do not receive the support of the National Assembly particularly now the Senate.

” We can’t diversify the economy because that would mean that Bills will have to come to the National Assembly which will be debated and eventually returned to him for assent.

” We can’t fight corruption if we do not have an institutional framework which is strengthened in every ramification to ensure that corruption is dealt with.”

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