By David Onimisi Lawani
The APC Professionals forum has described the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, as a reflection of the spirit of cooperation between the leadership of the 9th National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator Akeem Akintayo, he said it shows how two arms of government could affect a change
“We see it as a reflection of the spirit of cooperation that enveloped the National Assembly complex since the emergence of Senator Ahmad Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively especially as PIB is an executive bill.
“It shows how a cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature could translate into positive development in overall national interest especially at a time that a tiny minority of Nigerians have had to mock the current leadership as a rubber stamp of the Presidency
Gov Yahaya approves salary increment for district, village heads in Gombe
“But the passage of a bill that had, for over 20 years, witnessed a lot of setbacks and false dawns has shown how two sets of leadership with a common goal can work assiduously and this is what the friendly relationship President Muhammad and the National Assembly has shown.
“The passage of this bill has further demonstrated the sincerity and willingness of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led administration to effect a quantum change not only in the oil sector but also in the lives of the average Nigerian,” APC Professionals forum added.
The forum also applauded the ruling party APC for its role in ensuring that the National Assembly has a visionary leadership but took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for its inability to push through the oil reform bill while it was in power.
It said: “We also commend the national leadership of our great party for ensuring that the right leadership that will complement President Buhari is put in place in the National Assembly this time
“For a section of the populace which takes delight in saying that there is no difference between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) we make bold to say that this is a typical example of what sets our great party apart from one that spent 16 years but could not pass the oil reform bill inspite of having a large majority in the two chambers of the National Assembly.”
The Forum however assured Nigerians that APC will continue to work in the best interest of Nigerians as a party prepared to continue to deliver good governance.
