From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

On the second day of resumprion from medical leave, President Muhammadu Buhari met with Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara in Aso Rock.

The parley between representatives of the two arms of government, was to discuss issues of national importance, including the 2017 budget as well as pending confirmation of ambassadorial nominees.

After the meeting, which lasted well over 40 minutes, Saraki told State House Correspondents the parley  was mainly to update the president on National Assembly activities while he was out of the country. 

“After being away for a while, it’s good for us to meet and, generally, review things that were done in his absence; so, it’s normal consultation.”

Asked to confirm, from a medical doctor’s point of view, if the president was fit to continue working, the senate president replied: “I came here to discuss activities in the National Assembly while the president was out of the country. I was not talking to myself; so, you know he was responding and he engaged us very well. We discussed issues of national interests, so, we are happy to see him back in the office.”

Saraki disclosed the National Assembly will soon pass the N7.2 trillion 2017 budget. “Well, the budget is ongoing, things that we passed in his absence, the issue of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Eurobond, just general issues that were pending, the issue of ambassadorial nominees, the stability in the Niger Delta and a whole range of issues were covered wthin the short period of time.” 

Asked when the budget would be passed, he replied: “Our target is still this month and we are working very hard to ensure we meet that deadline.”

Dogara, on his part said he was not at the Presidential Villa to assess the president.

Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, had, on February 8, 2017 concluded screening of 46 ambassadorial nominees, but was yet to submit a report to plenary. 

Buhari had, on January 12, re-transmitted list ofnominees to senate for confirmation, after it was first rejected. 

between the executive and the legislature was allowed provided it is in the interest of the people.