By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has stated that despite the current economic doldrums of the country, issues of nation-building and unity in patriotic criticism should be their watchwords.
This was made known during during the House of Representatives Reunion 2024 which brought together former legislators and key stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and explore ways to strengthen democracy, with the theme: “Rebuilding the Foundations of Democracy: Learning from the Past and Shaping a Resilient Future” held in Abuja.
Dogara said, ” Having known what has happened in this country and the trajectory we are heading to, it is important for us to pull ourselves together and see what we can do in service of our beloved country. It is also important for us to put our resources together both physical and intellectual materials to see what kind of intervention we can give to push our nation forward.”
Speaking to journalists, the event’s convener, Rt Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola, encouraged both former and present lawmakers to unite and speak out against injustice and maladministration when necessary.
Hon. Adeola said, ” I left the house 10 years ago, and since then, we’ve never had this kind of gathering. How do people just leave such a Constituency without bringing themselves together once in a while to deliberate on issues. I had to consult with my friends, everything was put together within one month, the aim of this reunion is for us to have Forum of former Members and we will continue to have former Members of House of Representatives. I expect we should be the ones holding the government accountable, we can speak about policies and government actions, and we can demand explanations that will put them on their toes. We may have to be meeting twice in a year.”
Meanwhile, Ex Governor of Imo State, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Chukwuemeka Ikedioha noted that over the years Nigeria has produced legislators in both Senate and House of Representatives. “They are resources for the nation, and this is not a resource you will want to wish away, everyone need to tap from these resources.
Ihedioha said,” The meetings would focus on nation-building and issues affecting the parliament. We need leaders with genuine intentions to serve the people, and we will continue to dialogue on the state of the nation.”
