Put national interest above self ambitions - lawmaker

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Razak Atunwa on Thursday urged politicians to put national interest above other considerations to make Nigeria overcome its developmental challenges as well as sustain its democracy. He admonished those in government to use their positions to improve on people’s well being saying that would renew the hope of Nigerians in the nation’s democratic practice. In an interview with journalists in Ilorin on the nation’s 15th Democracy Day Celebration, Atunwa also attributed the nation’s predicament to protracted military rule. He warned against acts capable of truncating the nation’s democracy. The speaker called for transparency in the nation’s electoral process as well as accountability in governance so as to restore the confidence of Nigerians in democracy. He urged politicians to always display spirit of sportsmanship during the 2015 general elections. According to him, life and position are transient. Atunwa appealed to all stakeholders to be united so as to salvage the nation from the verge of destruction. He also cautioned against politicizing issues that could curb insurgence. According to him, the current security challenge in the country could be likened to civil war era. He opined that the collective efforts of all stakeholders, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations was imperative to curbing terrorism in Nigeria. The Speaker claimed that the Kwara State House of Assembly under his leadership had been responsive to the yearnings of the people of the state through the passage of bills and resolutions. He also assured that the House would dedicate itself during the remaining legislative year as a platform that would ensure improved performance and service delivery by the State Government.