By Gift Chapi -Odekina
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday expressed concern over the possible lack of legislative capacity of fresh members, who are large in number due to high rate of turnover occasioned by the parliamentary elections.
Abbas has charged members to ensure their choices of aides are based on experience and competence.
He stated that “Colleagues, we cannot gloss over the capacity challenges this 10th House will have to grapple with as we settle down to work. This of course, is owing to the high turnover rate of the legislature. It is perhaps, the highest in our democratic journey since 1999. It is in this regard that I implore you to consider competence, capacity and experience in choosing your Aides”
“There is an array of experienced hands within and outside the National Assembly you can rely on. Your success as a legislator is largely dependent on the quality of your legislative Aides as well as the legislative bureaucrats. In view of the high legislative turnover which has become part of our democratic culture, the House, going forward will consider professionalising the legislative Aides services to ensure that new members have a smoother transition into the Assembly”
“we have been called to serve at one of the most challenging times for our constituents and nation. The present administration, which we are part of is challenged by many economic issues, which include a huge debt profile, a volatile international oil market, rising unemployment, hyperinflation, a high poverty rate, infrastructure deficit, de-industrialization, and many more. This calls for our immediate attention and action”
The speaker further stated that “I need not remind us that our constituents are going through so many difficulties following the stoppage of government subsidies on petroleum products. Though taken in the nation’s best interest, this singular action has occasioned increased commodity prices, transportation, and operational costs for businesses and the general cost of living. As the Executive comes with policies and programs to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, we must be ready to respond with the necessary legislative actions in this regard”
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the House of Representatives and indeed, the National Assembly, plays a vital role in this country’s economic trajectory. Consequently, we must proffer legislative reforms to unlock Nigeria’s economic growth and development of our vast human and natural resources. To achieve this, we must focus on opening bottlenecks in critical sectors of the economy through appropriate legislations positioning for emerging industries that will attract foreign and domestic investors and, in turn, create sustainable economic development”
Furthermore, he stressed that “Our economic challenges are aggravated by the parlous security situation in the country despite the very commendable efforts and tremendous sacrifices of our security personnel. The relationship between the economic crises and the precarious security situation leaves the country in a quagmire as both are fallouts from each other and reinforce themselves”
“This Assembly is a citizens’ parliament. In that regard, the Committee on Legislative Agenda will engage all members through appropriate platforms to develop a citizen’s legislative agenda. I, therefore, call on all members to actively participate in this process when called upon”
He however stated that “Let me emphasize that in the Legislative Agenda, the House will pay priority attention to participatory budgeting process and delivery, law reform, electoral reform, women’s participation and inclusion in governance, improved socio-economic conditions, entrepreneurship, employment, health and education, infrastructure, citizens-focused diplomacy, institutional capacity development and citizens engagement, constitutional amendment and restructuring, renewable energy among others”.
