Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has highlighted things he would do if elected as the next Senate President.
Ndume, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Establishment and State Services, vowed to make the Office of the Senate President less attractive by reducing the unnecessary privileges attached to it.
In his nine point agenda for the office of Senate president he released yesterday in Abuja, Ndume also promised to uphold the independence of the legislative arm of government.
Ndume promised to “work harmoniously and inter-dependently with the executive without undermining the principle of separation of powers.”
The third term senator stated that he would prioritise and ensure the passage of the Constituency Development Bill to make “constituency projects more transparent, accountable, efficient and effective.”
The lawmaker assured that he will cooperate and synergise with other senators-elect with a view for the Senate to agree on timeline for confirmation, passage of bills especially the annual budgets, which he said will not exceed 90 days from the day of submission.
The lawmaker also pointed out other issues to include: “to make laws that will block leakages and devise improved means of generating revenue, especially through the amendment and review of our tax laws, which will help to reduce reliance on local and foreign loans to finance budget.”
“To run the 9th Senate transparently through open accountability with full participation of all senators.
“For example, we will transfer the approving powers of the privileges of the senators like foreign travels, allowances to Senate Services Committee or a new committee to be known as ‘Ways and Means Committee’.”
On party policies and principles, Ndume assured that the Senate under his leadership will make laws and review existing ones “to be in tandem with APC’s Next Level Agenda for Nigeria.”
