Oshiomhole Tells APC Elected Lawmakers To Support Buhari’s Economic Policies

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has called on elected members of the House of Representatives under the party, to use the ‘overwhelming’ numerical strength to support the economic agendas of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oshiomhole made the charge during a meeting between the party leadership and the elected, re-elected lawmakers at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Monday.

According to Oshiomhole, President Buhari would need strong support from the National Assembly to rebuild Nigeria’s economy.

“The APC agenda and manifesto during the campaign, our re-elected President, Buhari, reminded us that the three critical issues on the basis of which he has canvassed for votes in 2015 are still valid in 2019; to turn the economy around and work towards an all-inclusive growth.

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“We must work hard to rebuild the economy, strengthen the private sector, create jobs, and make Nigeria more investment-friendly both local and foreign. If Nigeria produces what we consume, our economy will grow in double digit and that growth will reflect in the quality of lives of our people.”

Oshiomhole who made references to rice and tyre imports in Nigeria stressed that the drive to change things will need legislative interventions.

“Nigeria has spent billions importing rice over the years we were over-dependent on imported rice. Today, we are proud to say that if a Nigerian is eating rice today. We would need to deepen, sustain these commitments by producing enough to export.

“I am sure some aspect of it would require legislative intervention; we would need to reinvent the manufacturing sector. I would like to have all our garments produced locally if we have sensible policies in place, with appropriate legislative backing to give people the confidence of policy stability because they are backed up by law”, he added.

He stated that a working synergy between the Presidency and National Assembly is apt, considering the time spent during the campaign period.

“All of these would require a collaborative and imaginative National Assembly; we will need to pursue sensible policies. This time around, we would ensure that we have a leader of the National Assembly that shares the vision of the executive; although we speak about separation of powers; but there is only one government. Unless the various arms pursue the same agenda, it will be difficult for the executive to fulfill its promise without legislative backing.