Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to quickly look into the claim that politicians are buying uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for use during the February elections.
Saraki also urged the electoral umpire not to spare any sacrifice that would ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
The Senate President stated this in his welcome address to senators after their four-week Christmas and New Year break.
He underscored the need for restraint by those who wield power in taking actions that might be misconstrued as coloured by partisan considerations.
Saraki who insisted that the issue of PVCs remained a concern, said that INEC should rise to the occasion giving urgent attention to the matter especially when fresh claims have been raised about people buying PVCs.
He reiterated the need for INEC to bring relevant stakeholders together for a dialogue on a way forward to tackle the issues, ahead of the elections.
Those vying for elective positions, he said, should eschew do or die politics particularly when there will still be one Nigeria after the polls.
Saraki advised against the violation of the Judiciary warning that if the third arm of government was desecrated, it will erode the confidence of the people in the judiciary
He noted that the Senate in the last three and a half years in an unprecedented manner, has passed 257 bills.
He said that indications all over the country showed that Nigerians were in an anticipatory mood “because this year 2019, Nigeria has a date with destiny.”
Saraki said: “The issue of PVCs remains a concern. I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give urgent attention to the matter. Issue has similarly been raised about people buying PVCs; this should also be looked into. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate the need for INEC to bring relevant stakeholders together for a dialogue on a way forward to tackle these issues, ahead of the elections.
“Everything must be done and every sacrifice must be made to ensure free and fair 2019 Elections. INEC is encouraged to engage the parties and be transparent in its decision making.
“It is important that the people are assured of the commission’s resolve and commitment to credible elections.
“On that note, I wish to lay emphasis on the role of the Judiciary in promoting justice and bringing respect to the country.
“If the Judiciary is violated or eroded or otherwise brought to ill repute, so do the values attached to its role in a democracy.
“Everyone in the political value chain should therefore do nothing that could raise tensions in the country.
“Nigerians are looking up to leaders who will douse flames that have the potential to threaten the peace and wellbeing of our country.
“Leaders should help reduce the tension in the polity by contributing to an atmosphere of moderate and measured political conversations.
“Expectations of the Executive are also palpable, particularly with regard to the need to uphold the Constitution and its tenets, especially as they guarantee the minimum basic requirement of Separation of Powers; the unity of the country and the welfare of the citizens.
“In that respect, it bears reminding that the exercise of power must be anchored in the best democratic principles.
“The former US President Obama’s Doctrine of Restraint as a key feature in the use of power, is commended to us in this polity at this crucial time.
“Some of the reports and occurrences in recent times speak to this need for restraint. Those who exercise power should do their best to avoid any action that stands the risk of being misconstrued as coloured by partisan considerations.”
On bills passed by the upper chamber, Saraki said: “This is an epoch making Senate that had, by the end of 2018, passed an unprecedented 257 bills, many of which are groundbreaking enough to change the game to meet the needs of Nigerians, with the potential to radically transform their lives for the better.
“Nigerians expect us to continue in this vein, and we owe it to ourselves to meet their expectations.
“The legacy of the 8th Senate will be written in the legislative footprints that we leave, and the foundation that we lay.
“Therefore, we must ensure that we continue to address issues affecting Nigerians, and concerning which they seek our intervention.
“Issues such as unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, insecurity and so on – these still require the attention of the National Assembly.
“Every action that we can take to address these issues through the legislative function, we must take; everything that we can do, we must do. We must ensure that we conclude work on all outstanding bills and petitions; and bring successful conclusion to all issues and investigations brought to the attention of this Senate.
He continued, “We must have a country after the elections. We all still have to live among ourselves when the polls have closed and the elections are over.
“The rhetoric leading up to the elections must therefore be mindful of the need for moderation, decorum and respect.
“To those of us who are contesting, let us remember that our biggest offer is to serve. Ultimately, the Nigerian people have a right to choose who will represent them at all levels. It is not a do or die affair.
“I encourage all to participate in the coming polls and I wish Nigerians a safe 2019 Election.”
