During a stakeholders meeting on the 10th House of Representatives Legislative Agenda in Abuja, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, emphatically expressed the readiness of the 10th Assembly to swiftly respond to the yearnings of Nigerians who elected them into the National Assembly.
Rep. Abbas emphasized that there is no better way to demonstrate their commitment than by promptly addressing the desires of the people who entrusted them with the responsibility to serve in the People’s House and conduct the people’s business.
The Speaker conveyed the lawmakers’ resolution to actively engage with citizens on a regular basis while carrying out their mandate. He emphasized that the current assembly firmly stands as “the people’s House for the people’s Mandate.”
Furthermore, Rep. Abbas assured that the House would diligently seek input and feedback from critical stakeholders to develop the legislative agenda. Consulting with various stakeholders would enable them to incorporate diverse perspectives and align the agenda with the expectations of the people they represent.
“We can never over-emphasize the fact that citizens’ engagement is the fulcrum of representative democracy.
“It is only through such engagements that legislators will become truly, the representatives of the people. To do otherwise, will amount to a democracy without the people,” he said.
The speaker highlighted that the House has placed utmost importance on various critical areas, including participatory budgeting process and delivery, law reform, electoral reform, and promoting women’s participation and inclusion in governance.
Additionally, the House has focused on initiatives aimed at enhancing socio-economic conditions, promoting entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, improving healthcare and education, and investing in infrastructure for the benefit of citizens.
In the pursuit of its agenda, the House is also dedicated to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering active citizen engagement. Furthermore, they are actively considering constitutional amendments and exploring the concept of restructuring to address the nation’s evolving needs.
In alignment with the speaker’s vision, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, the leader of the House and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda, emphasized the solemn responsibility of the House as representatives of the people. He reaffirmed their commitment to shaping the country’s trajectory and working diligently to meet the aspirations of the nation’s citizens.
“We are entrusted with the enormous responsibility of shaping the trajectory of our country’s development through our representation of the 360 constituencies in the country.
“The Legislative Agenda is a culmination of tireless efforts, broad consultations, and dedicated research aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing our nation while seizing the abundant opportunities that lie ahead. “
He expressed that the 10th Assembly’s overarching vision is to leave behind a prosperous and thriving nation, empowering each citizen to realize their full potential.
The envisioned Nigeria is one where the economy stands strong and diverse, infrastructure reaches world-class standards, education becomes transformative, healthcare remains accessible to all, and governance operates with transparency and accountability.
This vision transcends political divisions, as it represents the collective aspirations of every Nigerian. The House aims to foster unity and collaboration with other branches of government to achieve these goals.
Furthermore, the current House is committed to engaging with stakeholders to foster an environment that allows all Nigerians to harness their creative and productive capabilities, enabling them to achieve unprecedented heights in their endeavors.
