*President Buhari addressing leaders of the National Assembly*
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday night in Abuja urged the legislature to stop comparing Nigeria’s democracy with more developed countries as every country had its peculiarities.
He spoke when he hosted leaders of the National Assembly at a dinner in the State House, pointing out that the historical growth patterns of countries are different, with the developed countries practicing liberal democracy for longer years.
“Along the line of development, we are a developing country. We have different experiences,’’ he added.
He urged the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Ahmed Lawan that an effective working relationship with the legislative arm of government will easily translate into more gains for Nigerians, noting that “it pays to maintain neighbourliness’’.
The President said he was pleased with the voting pattern of principal leaders of the National Assembly, which showed a lot of maturity and patriotism, and also signalled to all Nigerians that love for the nation supersedes party affiliations.
“I was very pleased that people expressed their desires at the National Assembly across party lines. Neighbourliness is very important.
In his remark, the Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan assured the President that the legislature was ready to work with the executive to provide solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
Lawan noted that the 9th National Assembly was different in “attitude, composition and patriotism’’ and will ensure good “collaboration, partnership and synergy’’ on national issues.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said elections of principal officers in the National Assembly were transparent, assuring that the National Assembly will work with President Buhari to improve the lives of constituents.