The Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, on Friday said members of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly had decided to bury the hatchet in the interest of the nation.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Lawan said he did not know why some people expected crisis at the resumption of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
He said there was the need for all lawmakers to put national interest above individual and parochial interests.
He said, “I don’t know what informed your view to anticipate crisis, but let me tell you that the National Assembly will continue to remain focused on national issues.
“We must be patriotic and nationalistic. We must put national interest above individual, parochial or partisan interests.
“We definitely have to bury the hatchet for us to work for Nigeria and Nigerians. Perhaps that might have informed the disappointment of many people who expected there would be crisis at the National Assembly.
“Let me also say disagreements are normal. In fact, they are very practical components of any parliament. When you have two or three parties or factions within parties, you will have views that may differ.
“It is traditional, it is usual for us to disagree. Maybe these disagreements may crop up and some other issues, but for now, our focus is on national interest.”
When asked specifically if the idea of removing Senate President Bukola Saraki had been dropped, Lawan said, “The National Assembly is a Nigerian parliament and therefore the best thing to do is to ensure that Nigerians get a good deal, and for now, the good deal is for Nigeria to have all those pending requests of Mr President approved by the National Assembly.
“I think national interest for now overrides any other interest.”
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