He also called on lawmakers to promote national development and advance the cause of economic diversification. Speaking at the commissioning of empowerment items donated to constituents of Niger North senatorial district at New Bussa, Niger State, weekend, by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate president said: “Politics they say is local and politicians must update their constituents regularly on the progress they are making, especially representative politics.” Saraki said Nigerians were currently witnessing a more focused National Assembly that was spending 70% of its legislative time to reform the business environment and promote economic diversification and development. He stressed the need for a situation and progress report, since a commitment was made to go back to the people through the legislative process. “We pledged to use lawmaking to better the lives of our people,’’ he added. Saraki, whose plane could not land at the Airforce Base at new Bussa due to bad weather, was later represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim. He said: “Today in the history of Nigeria, we are seeing a more focused National Assembly that is spending 70 per cent of its legislative time to reform the business environment.” He noted that the National Assembly was promoting government patronage of made -in-Nigeria goods through the amendment of the Public Procurement Act. He said: “We are also moving against revenue leakages that are affecting government’s ability to deliver on its promises. “We are doing all of these through a well-fashioned-out legislative agenda that has at the center empowerment opportunity and better life for our people.” Saraki, however, assured the people of Niger North senatorial district that as soon as the Ministry of Works commenced the rehabilitation of roads nationwide, it would give attention to the long standing Wawa – Rafia road which was started by the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF and the Wawa – Kaiama road, which connects communities in Niger State, Kaima in Kwara State and Shaki in Oyo State. Speaking further, Saraki said: “I am very pleased and rejoice with you my people that you have such a committed resilient young leader. Sen. Sabi has lobbied strongly for the completion of some roads that will boost the soco-economic life of the people.” ‘’Some of these includes the long standing Wawa – Rafia road which was started by the defunt PTF and also the Wawa – Kaiama road which is connects communities in Niger State, Kaima in Kwara State and Shaki in Oyo State. ‘’These roads to be rehabilitated have been captured by the Senate Committee of Works and I assure you all that when the Ministry of Works begins nationwide rehabilitation of roads, these roads will receive urgent attention.’’ In his remarks, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi said the three arms of government had been constitutionally charged to focus governance on the welfare and security of the citizens. Also speaking, Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner Planning Commission, Mohammed Nda, described Senator Sabi as “a man of the people.” Items distributed to the people include motorcycles, tricycles( Keke NAPEP) , wheel chairs; grinding machines; generators; a 25 persons capacity boat for River Transport with 25 life jackets as well as complete jerseys for 100 football teams across the zone, amng others.]]>