Speaking to State House reporters after joining residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Lawan assured that the opposition could not usurp the posts despite the configuration of the 10th National Assembly, in which parties other than the APC will have a strong presence.
Lawan stated that the opposition party will simply work with the APC majority for them to have stability, as there is no way the opposition will decide who should be the Senate President or Speaker. He added that the decision will be made by the APC and other leaders, the rest of the party will key in, and the opposition would have no option but to support.
He emphasised that it is very critical and essential to work with opposition parties right from the beginning, saying, “Don’t ever think the opposition should be pushed away. I don’t believe in that. I only believe in the very bipartisan chamber because it is more productive. It is more stable, it’s calm, and it gives you the kind of outcome that you will never get with a very rancorous chamber. And I’ve seen it, we have done it.”
Lawan also praised President Buhari for his service in the last eight years, stating that the administration had done “tremendously well.” He commended the administration for providing so much infrastructure across the country like no other administration did before.
He noted that the Buhari administration is closing on a very strong note, and they have succeeded in reducing and minimising the insecurity that they met in 2015.
Furthermore, Lawan stated that the legislature did much to support the administration to succeed, and that is what the legislature and the executive arm of government will go home by the grace of God after the 29th of May 2023, a very satisfied person.
However, he acknowledged that there were things they have not been able to do well, but he expressed confidence that the new administration of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will come in and continue with those areas that they have gotten well, and rework those areas they have not been able to get well.