The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan who has just been conferred with the highest National Honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) says the National Assembly will pass the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N20.5 trillion before the end of December.
He made this known at a reception organised in his honour as a recipient of GCON.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Friday, presented the 2023 budget of N20.5 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly.The budget is tagged “Budget of Fiscal Sustainability and Transition”.An excited Senate President said that by Wednesday (today),the Senate would begin debate on the bill.
“…. we will start the debate on the 2023 appropriation bill. Like we did before for the three previous sessions, we are going to pass it before the end of December.
“We are purposeful and we are focused. It’s not for nothing that the presidency decided to give us 12 honours.
“They know our contribution to not only the administration of good governance but also stability of the polity.
He expressed confidence that NASS had made much contributions into political stability of the country Nigeria. He stated that the people remained the best judge of what had either been done or left undone, stressing that the 9th Senate worked so hard to deliver its functions.
He lamented the limited number of female Senators and opined, “We don’t know why the number is small but they have capacity. These are very experienced legislators. ”
Lawan expressed the wish for an improved number of female Senators in the Upper Chamber.
On the national honour, Lawan said that it was a special day for the National Assembly , because the Senate had never had it so good ,having the highest number of recipients of the coveted awards. He stressed that the awards will galvanize his colleagues to be more productive.
He said that his fellow colleagues were his good friends who ensured that the productivity in the senate rose.
In a goodwill message, Senate Leader Ibrahim Gobir hailed the Senate President on the receipt of the award, He said ,by the award,Lawan had proven that he was a role model to many.
On his part, Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers) ,while showering praises on Lawan said : “If there is anything higher than this you still merit it.”Since 1999, you have worked tirelessly. You are one of my mentors who is committed to service and loyalty.
“If anyone will claim success in this administration, you are one of them. The honour fits you. There are many opportunities, keep at it,” Sekibo said.
Another recipient , Sen. Sani Musa, Chairman Senate Committee on Services, received an award of the Commander of Order of Niger (CON),noted that the honour came at the right time.
