Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has appealed to all geopolitical zones in the country to contribute equitably to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in order to ensure national stability.
Saraki, according to a statement by his chief press secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, made the appeal when the chairman, national executive council, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie led other executive members of the Forum on a courtesy call on the Senate president.
Saraki said the only way for the North to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation’s GDP and the diversification of the economy was for its leaders to methodically focus on mining and agriculture.
“My appeal is that in all countries that have gone through similar economic challenges like ours, recovery does not happen overnight. There will be initial pain but eventually the future will be bright. It is this journey that we should have embarked upon many years ago. We cannot run away from it.
“We cannot continue to depend only on oil. We must look at agriculture. Specifically for those of us from the North, agriculture is key. I also want to say that for the stability of any country, it is important that every part of the country is seen to be contributing to the economy of the country. A country where it is only one part that contributes to the economy is recipe for disaster.
“For the stability of this country, it is important that we from the North must play our own role to contribute significantly to the GDP of this country. It is then we come to the table on equal terms and then we will be able to ensure the stability of this country. The only way for us to make our contribution is to go back to mining and agriculture. We must talk to our people that it is time for hard work to do that,” Saraki said.
Earlier, Coomassie told the Senate president that the visit was meant to sustain and consolidate the cordial relationship that existed between the ACF and the Senate since 1999.
Coomassie said: “May I also acknowledge the support and cooperation the executive arm of government enjoys from you as clearly demonstrated by the speedy screening of the ministers by the Senate and the consideration of the 2016 Appropriation Bill, which the National Assembly has pledged to pass before the end of this month.”
He reminded the Senate that their roles do not end in legislation alone but also to ensure the “effectiveness of oversight functions and transparency for the benefit of Nigerians. ACF shall continue to support you to legislate well.”
