September 24, (THEWILL) – Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of continued fraternal bond between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

Shettima gave the assurance when he declared open a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom on Friday.

The vice president said that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

Shettima also assured the leadership of the National Assembly of Tinubu’s avowed commitment to entrenching democratic ideals and values through collaborative partnership with all arms of government.

He said the unrivalled democratic credentials of Tinubu, which include legislative experience, would continue to rub off on his governance style.

This, he said especially as it borders on respect of the rule of law, adherence to separation of powers as well as deference for constitutional rights.

Shettima described the composition of the Federal Government as well as the leadership of the National Assembly as historical, unique and a major pathway to Nigeria’s unprecedented development.

This, he said, was more so that the expectations of Nigerians would be met regardless of the present challenges.

“For the first time in our history, all the elected heads of our branches of government are produced by the hallowed halls of the National Assembly.

“For the first time in our history, the heart of the executive branch of our government is serviced by the alumni of the National Assembly.

“Both the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President are proud alumni of the National Assembly. The Secretary to the Federal Government is one of us.

“We cannot, therefore, afford to go to war. Not because we are going to overlook each other’s transgressions, but because you are going to engage with those who know the gravity of your work and would never take you for granted.”