Feb. 23, 2022

Former President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to sign the electoral bill into law, as critical foundation needed for good governance.

Saraki stated this while speaking with newsmen at the sideline of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State and Zonal Women Leaders of the Party meeting Abuja.

Saraki said that Nigeria as the giant of Africa must have strong Electoral Act, as foundation for good governance.

“My appeal has consistently be that the strength of any good governance is in its electoral process . If we say we are for good democracy, good governance, you must have strong, very good Electoral Act.

“We are leaders, not only the continent, Nigeria is a strong member of the global nations, and as such when we speak, we should also do the right thing at home. We need a good and strong electoral Act.

“My appeal to Mr President, is that it is not about individual interests, but what is good for the country.

“No law can ever be perfect. I know it is not possible. From my own experience, this bill is good.

“The President needs to sign and I think that will be the greatest legacy we have, to lay the foundation for good governance.

“So I hope that the last few days left he will do the right thing for the country and for future generations of Nigeria, much younger ones.”

He called on women and youths to form critical components of Nigeria government in 2023.

Saraki said that in his previous elective positions at the state governor and president of the Senate, the youth and women had always been critical components of his administration.

“I think both women and the youth have a great role to play, because at the end of the day governance is about providing for the people.

“Seventy per cent of them are under 25. They must play key role in elective and appointive positions.

“From the time I was a governor and in the National Assembly, I have always worked with the youth. I heard a lot of politicians saying that today, we should check their records .

“The reality is that you cannot make laws or govern people and they are not part of it. As a woman said here they must be part of the decision making.

“My view is that women and youth who constitutes more than 50 per cent of voting population must play key role in the government that come in 2023.

“That is what all of us, collectively as Nigerians, must do.

“It is only when we do that we will serve them better and if we want to do this they must be part of the system,” Saraki said.