OPENING REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT A ONE DAY PUBLIC HEARING BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 4, 2017.
PROTOCOL.
1.It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this Public Hearing by the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, on the National Orientation Agency Act Cap N100 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2017 (SB.333), which seeks to provide a legal framework for the activities of the Global Initiative for Harmony in Nigeria Corps, under the supervision of the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency.
2.Nigeria currently faces a disturbing level of violence, mutual suspicion amongst ethnic groups, hate speeches on the social media and a general lack of belief in government by a sizeable number of her citizens. We cannot continue in this direction if we truly want to achieve greatness as a nation. Countries with larger populations, and of multi-racial compositions, have succeeded in building strong nations in relative peace. There is no reason why Nigeria should be different.
3.The National Orientation Agency of Nigeria (NOA) is the body tasked with communicating government policy, staying abreast of public opinion and promoting patriotism, national unity and societal development. It is believed, therefore, that by increasing the capacity of the NOA, we would be taking concrete steps towards promoting unity among all Nigerians.
4.The role here proposed for the Global Initiative for Harmony in Nigeria would, among other benefits, help promote inter-ethnic integration, cohesion, mutual understanding, patriotism and solidarity among Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora – ethnic, religious or lingual differences notwithstanding. It would also help in advocating and inculcating a true spirit of nationalism, love and respect for the Nigerian constitution – as well as loyalty and fidelity to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times.
5.Last week Thursday, the 8th Senate set up a committee to look into insecurity in the country, with a view to reviewing the security architecture for better defence of the Nigerian territory and the safety of our citizens. This was a necessary and urgent response to the rising spate of killings in many communities across Nigeria.
6.If we could be more tolerant of our differences and see ourselves as brothers and sisters, it would be difficult to rise up against one another. It would be quite difficult, indeed, to fight – let alone kill – over otherwise trivial issues that can be settled amicably. It is my belief that Nigeria will be one of the best places on earth when all her people can find it in themselves to become instruments and promoters of peaceful and harmonious co-existence in every respect.
7.In a country with a population now closing in on the 200 million mark, our diversity should be our greatest strength. It should be a collection of individual attributes that can help build a united and progressive, driven society. Peace building measures must be encouraged from all strata of the leadership cadre. For every naira spent in restoring peace in troubled communities, I believe a kobo should be channelled into promoting initiatives that enhance peaceful co-existence and inclusiveness among Nigerians.
8.I thank the sponsor of this Bill, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye, for bringing it up for consideration. His contribution during the Second Reading was quite robust and was well received by members of the Senate. This Public Hearing gives us an opportunity to engage further, to hear and take on board your perspectives on the Bill.
9.I also thank the Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation for making possible this platform today. At this time of year, when politics and visitations back home tend to take centre stage, I sincerely thank the Distinguished Senators here present, for your interest in the subject of this Public Hearing.
10.To our invited guests and stakeholders, I urge you to speak freely when called upon. I assure you of the Senate’s open-mindedness on this matter. We have yet to take a position on this Bill; and your contributions will go a long way in helping to determine the direction regarding it. As an institution representing the collective interest of all Nigerians, we take very seriously the duty to engage relevant stakeholders when considering Bills, before we put in our final report. You would be helping the process greatly by making your views known, and we welcome your submissions.
11.Accordingly, I thank you all for being here, as I now formally declare this Public Hearing open. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
