Group seeks legislative support for Tinubu’s fiscal policy, others

An agenda-setting college of former and serving National Assembly members has called for legislative support for President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

The group, under the auspices of the Leadership Council of the Initiatives, said Tinubu’s pronouncements on subsidy, currency, and the signing of the Electricity Act were signs that he had hit the ground running.

Former House of Representatives member Eseme Eyiboh made this known on behalf of the group at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Eyiboh said the president required a vibrant legislature that would complement his efforts, particularly in the areas of appropriation, legal framework, and oversight.

He said one of the ways the legislature could effectively complement the executive was to elect vibrant, experienced, and passionate principal officers.

“Tinubu has announced that subsidy is not possible, and we agree, but the issue of inflow from the withdrawal of subsidy is now the issue.

“The areas of infrastructure, education, health, and many others where the subsidy will be channeled need a strong legal framework from the legislature.

“Also, the Electricity Act, which he recently signed, will culminate in setting up a legal framework because there will be an inflow of direct foreign investment and enterprise promotion.

“Even subsidies will need strong oversight so that the money will be used appropriately for other sectors,” he said.

The former lawmaker said the legislature was a rod that connected the executive and the judiciary, adding that its composition could either make or mar any government.

He said in view of the critical role played by the legislature, its leadership must reflect capacity, independence

and experience.

“A new Nigeria is on the path of rebirth, and for it to be actualized, there must be a legislative and legal framework that the executive will use to drive policies," he said.

Eyiboh added that “Tinubu said he needs a team that will ensure integrity, provide employment, improve the standard of education, and ensure access to good healthcare.

“He has proposed that Sen. Godswill Akpabio be given the opportunity to become the Senate President.

“The choice resonates with us as a group because of his excellent human relations and other track records,” he said.