Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of citizens’ engagement for an effective legislature. During the dinner/gala marking the end of the 2024 House of Representatives Open Week, Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the 10th House’s commitment to entrenching citizen participation.
Speaker Abbas, addressing the gathering on Friday night, stated, “The entire event has vividly demonstrated the vibrancy and strength of our evolving democracy and reaffirmed our commitment in the People’s House to uphold transparency and accountability.”
Amid declining trust in democracy, Abbas underscored the need for transparency and regular engagement with citizens. “Transparency ensures that government actions are open to public scrutiny, fostering accountability. Regular engagements empower citizens to voice their concerns, participate in decision-making processes, and feel a sense of ownership over their governance. This mutual interaction strengthens the social contract, rebuilds trust, and revitalizes democratic values,” he said.
He highlighted the ‘OPEN NASS’ Project, embraced by the 10th Assembly, which enhances oversight, law-making, and the transparency of the National Assembly. “As we hold other branches of government accountable, we must equally welcome scrutiny from the public. Through the House Open Week, we are reclaiming the legislature for its rightful owners, namely, the citizens and our constituents,” Abbas noted.
The Speaker emphasized the House’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as demonstrated during the Open Week. “We have engaged in meaningful discussions, welcomed feedback, and showcased our dedication to serving the Nigerian people. We addressed critical issues such as gender mainstreaming in governance, economic growth and diversification, inclusive political participation, and the constitutional role for traditional rulers,” he said.
Abbas reassured Nigerians that the House’s performance scorecard in its First Session reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. “The essence of representative democracy is that it empowers citizens to choose their leaders and demands those leaders to give a satisfactory account of their stewardship,” he said.
As the House commenced the Second Session on July 2, Abbas reminded his colleagues, especially the standing and ad-hoc Committees, of the tasks ahead. “All committees are encouraged to enhance their performance and document their activities. Our standing Committees on Monitoring and Evaluation of House Committees and Implementation and Evaluation of the Legislative Agenda are called to action in this regard,” he stated.
Abbas announced plans for citizens’ engagement town halls across the six geopolitical zones, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation. “Our constitutional amendment process will also adopt a citizen-inclusive approach. The onus is now on citizens to actively engage with their representatives. I urge everyone to seize this opportunity to ask questions about governance, participate in public hearings, constituency engagements, town halls, and other forums for engagement. As the saying goes, eternal vigilance is the price of freedom,” he urged.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to donors like Konrad Adenuer STIFTUNG (KAS), the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and YIAGA Africa for their support in making the event successful.
Hon. Obi Aguocha, Chairman of the Committee on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, extended thanks on behalf of the Speaker and the House leadership. “This event has been a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to democratic ideals,” he said.
Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, praised Speaker Abbas for his support to the industry. “Speaker Abbas is passionate about the industry, and we are grateful for that. He is exceptional and different in his ways of doing things,” Kyari remarked.
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