Senate President pledges foreign investment friendly laws, pro Saraki lawmakers fault Kwankwanso

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has reiterated commitment to legislations that would sustain foreign investment in the country.

Speaking yesterday during the visit of United States (US) Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, Saraki assured that in spite of its numerous challenges, Nigeria will remain attractive to foreign investment considering its abundant human and natural resources.

Meanwhile, some Senators under the umbrella of Like Minds have cautioned the former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwanso against utterances capable of destabilising the National Assembly and rubbishing the prevailing political tranquility in the country.

Saraki further commended the cordial relationship between Nigeria and US, noting that the prompt visit at a time the nation was poised to address most of its challenges, further buttressed the existing friendly relationship.

While highlighting such challenges such as epileptic power supply, insecurity, unemployment and revenue leakages as impediments to national pride and development, Saraki confirmed that the present administration is concerned about the well-being of Nigerians.

He said: “This 8th Senate has the mandate to give Nigerians dividends of democracy. We will put in place, comprehensive systems to make sure that our revenues meet our needs.

Our oversight functions would be strengthened to ensure that there will be no room for loopholes in implementing government plans and projects. “I can assure you that Nigeria will continue to be attractive to investment opportunities.

We have the human capital and with our younger generations’ steadfastness, training and development, our much needed goals would be achieved”.

In his response, Entwistle assured the Senate President of U.S co-operation and support in areas of insecurity, power, human empowerment and investment opportunities. He also expressed hope in the future of Nigeria, adding “l am optimistic about the future of this country.

When I meet young Nigerians, their energy, zeal and prowess are indications that Nigeria will be great”. The envoy also disclosed that no other country of the world was doing more than US in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria. “I have spoken to the new administration on new ways of fighting insurgency.

We have been helping in fighting Boko Haram for years and we will continue to assist the country in that fight, I can assure you,” Entwistle said. Kwankwaso had described the emergence of Saraki as Senate President as a dangerous signal for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Senator Kwankwanso further warned the Senate President against using his ambition to destroy the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senators of Like Minds in a statement by its spokesperson, Senator Dino Melaye, reassured that the Senate Presidency of Saraki would not constitute any threat to President Buhari’s administration.

He said rather that the President was safer in the hands of Saraki as the President of the Senate. “The President of the 8th Senate and chairman of the National Assembly would accord all necessary legislative support and cooperation to the President.