The apex Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have expressed worries with the open fights among appointees of the President Muhammadu Buhari on the one hand and the altercation between the Executive and the National Assembly in particular the Senate on the other hand, describing it as a threat to national cohesion and development.
ACF in a press statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim Biu and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday, said, “It is a known fact that in the last three weeks or so, Nigerians have witnessed open disagreement between officials of government that are supposed to work in concert, thereby threatening national cohesion and the development of our young democracy. The relationship between the Executive and the Senate on the other hand to say the least is unhealthy, with each flexing its muscle to intimidate the other over issues that could easily be resolved.
According to the forum, “this development is certainly not the best for Nigeria considering the myriad of challenges facing the nation. We are faced with insecurity, economic recession and socio-political problems that require synergy between the Executive and the Senate for good governance and not show of power.
“The attitudes of some government officials over simple invitation by the Senate to come and clarify certain policy issues do more damage than good to the expected cordial working relationship. On the other hand the Senate resolutions meant to intimidate or threaten the Executive is unnecessary and portrays the Senate as vindictive and antagonistic”.
ACF therefore appealed to the two arms of government to sheath their swords in the interest of Nigerians who voted them into power and work harmoniously, adding that we can only enjoy the dividends of democracy when all the three arms work in concert, understanding and respect one another.
ACF stressed that the constitution provides for separation of powers to facilitate checks and balances in governance, which should be upheld, adding that “any distraction that will threaten our democracy at this material time is uncalled for. It is our hope that this passionate appeal will touch the hearts of our leaders to promptly do the needful.
“We welcome the courage and magnanimity of President Buhari in constituting a Committee under the Vice President Prof Yomi Osinbajo to end the rift between the Executive and the National Assembly”.
ENDS
