Partisan politics played a second fiddle as President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday hosted leaders of the National Assembly (NASS) to the breaking of fast in the spirit of the current Ramadan period.

Speaking at the occasion, President Buhari however admitted that the relationship between the Executive arm of government and the outgoing 8th National Assembly had not been the best for the country.

Maintaining that Nigerians deserve something better, the President expressed the hope for a more robust and cordial working relationship between both arms of government with in-coming ninth National Assembly for the overall good of the country.

He congratulated the elected lawmakers on their successes at the polls, noting that the electoral successes come with “a great burden and a great responsibility” as their people are expecting much from them.

President Buhari said the National Assembly has the key responsibility of partnering with the Executive to enable both arms initiate and pursue polices aimed at lifting the poor masses out of poverty.

“Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the ninth Assembly so that we can serve the people better”, he said

President Buhari, who gave assurances of being available to all Nigerians with genuine concerns or advice that would improve the quality of governance and service delivery to the people, said; “I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.

“Our citizens are faced with challenges of poverty. Your principal task is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy.”

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Senate President, Bukola Saraki assured that the National Assembly would at all time be focused on national interest.

Senator Saraki led the officials to the feast at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, which was attended by the Chief of staff to Mr President, Abba Kyari.

Also in attendance at the occasion were Speaker Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Sulaiman Lasun; and Senator Ahmed Lawan, Senate majority leader.

Others include: Femi Gbajabiamila, majority leader of the House of Representatives and the senate chief whip, Senator Adeyeye. 

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