PDP Congratulates New N'Assembly Leadership * Charges lawmakers to guard legislative independence, rule of Law

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Teusday congratulated the ninth National Assembly for its successful inauguration.

In a statement, the party also acknowledged the newly elected Senate President, Deputy Senate President as well as the newly-elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively on their new positions.

While commending all those who made the contest robust for helping to deepen democratic practice, the PDP said it will always stand on the side of decency and utmost respect for the institution of the National Assembly and the values Nigerians hold as a people.

"Our party therefore charges the federal lawmakers, as representatives of the people, to place the welfare, wishes and aspirations of Nigerians above every other consideration by ensuring a strong and independent legislature that upholds the tenets of democracy and the dictates of our constitution.

"The ninth National Assembly therefore must work hard to save our nation from the prevailing despondency caused by the misrule of the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, by effectively applying its statutory legislative instruments to guarantee  good governance and fiscal prudence, curb corruption, check the excesses of the executive and protect the rights of Nigerians from incessant violations.

"The PDP reminds the National Assembly members to bear in mind that their allegiance is to the people and the constitution and not to any particular leader or group.

"Our party therefore charges the legislature to work only in the interest of our nation and resist the manipulations and pressure that might come from quarters that seek to undermine our democratic order.

"On our part, the PDP, as a  party, will remain truly committed to the welfare of Nigerians. We shall continue to keep our focus on the quest for good governance, national cohesion and economic well-being of the people, even as we pursue our collective aspiration for the successful retrieval of our stolen presidential mandate at the tribunal," PDP said.