Nigeria’s Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on social media influencers to make issues key to the people’s wellbeing the focus of attention.Saraki urged the social media activist to be patriotic in their discussions.
He made the call Tuesday while granting audience to some influencers at the National Assembly.He lamented the fact that trivial matters have often distracted attention away from real issues in the social media.
He cited the recent focus on the customs uniform which Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali refused to wear, a development that dragged the main issue to the backwaters of debates on the social media and the media in general.
He noted that when serious bills are being considered, it is often the practice that the dress or the song by a lawmaker, which may not last more than a few seconds or minutes, tends to dominate discourses on the day’s proceedings.
Sarak admitted that the pronouncements from the executive often gain easier traction among the people. However, he noted that the senate has been doing a great deal of work. Bills that are capable of transforming the way businesses are carried out have been passed and a lot more work is being done to facilitate ease of doing business among others. He said for instance, that it will be unlawful for MDAs not to give priority to local experts towards the execution of projects.
He gave assurances that the Senate will not cover up any allegations of corruption anytime. He recalled that it was the Senate that exposed the scam in the petroleum sector that has lead to refund of money to NNPC by some companies.
Saraki also pledged to support the #NotToYoungToRun bill anytime it comes to the Senate.He also gave assurances that the Senate will ensure it communicates better henceforth.
