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There is no rivalry between Legislature and Executive -Senator Dogara

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Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara

Senator Dogara refutes rumours that there is war between the legislature and executive arms.

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has debunked speculations in some quarters, that the Legislature and the Executive are having a rift.

Dogara stated that the two arms of government are not rivals but rather partners in progress.

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Dogara cleared the air while welcoming the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, in his office on Monday in Abuja.

He said the appointment of Mr Mustapha is indeed “a round peg in a round hole, or a square peg in a square hole”, adding that the president “hit the nail on the head”.

Dogara said that the visit to the National Assembly by the new SGF was unprecedented in the history of the parliament, saying, “it has never been done.”

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“In those days it was invitations extended to them, then a discussion whether they’ll appear at all would ensue.

“In some cases, some members of the Executive would go to court on the basis of legislative summons.”

He therefore said  “That is why we have the three Departments of Government, The Legislature, The Executive and the Judiciary, all of us doing the work of democracy.

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“So, it was an idea of the founding fathers of democracy that it would take some kind of cooperation and consensus among the different Arms of Government for us to make progress as a people.

“We want to reassure you of our desire to work with the Executive in order to see that we deliver the goods for the people.

“As a matter of fact, for us, there is really is no distinction in government, it’s just ignorant people who tend to make these distinctions.

“If the Executive fails, there’s no way the Legislature would be exonerated, we are all guilty,” he said.

Previously, Mustapha had recalled the vital role Dogara played in the process that led to the victory of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 General elections.

“Let me single out not for any reason, the Speaker. I remember when this whole enterprise started, we were asked to serve in the national convention committee with you.

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“You were the nominee of the House of Reps in that committee and we worked for months to put up a convention and a selection process that was adjudged to be the best ever in this country.

“You worked with us in spite of your numerous schedules in the National Assembly and what eventually happened in Lagos was a product of your input, commitment and dedication that you had put into the enterprise.

“So you were part of the process through which President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as our candidate in December of 2014.

“We went around this country with most of you, campaigning to ensure that we win elections and it behoves on us to ensure that in the implementation of government policies, that we take steps that will provide for the wellbeing of our people.”

Mustapha also appreciated the leadership of the House of Representatives for supporting the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I bring you the warm greetings of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to also extend his thanks to your leadership in the House of Representatives for the level of progress that has been achieved thus far in the area of the primary responsibility.”

Mustapha maintained that the National Assembly was not competing with the executives, but they are “joint owners of this enterprise”.