Foundation Tasks Speakers On Post-legislative Scrutiny

The Conference of Speakers in Nigeria (CSN) has been urged to ensure that post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) is institutionalised in the remaining 34 State Houses of Assembly across the federation.

The country director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Adebowale Olorunmola, made the request on Thursday in Asaba during the official launch of the PLS Department of the Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA).

He particularly pleaded with the chairman of CSN and speaker, DSHA, Hon Dennis Guwor, to use his office to institutionalise it, saying Nigeria needs a legislative culture where we don’t just ask, “Did we pass the law?” but rather, “Is the law working for the person on the street?”

He noted that Delta State is now positioned to lead that charge. On the ongoing institutional strengthening of our legislative processes, he said the establishment of the PLS department is a significant step in ensuring that laws enacted by the House achieve their intended objectives for the people of Delta State.

“We must be clear: training is the foundation, but implementation is the building. The real test of this Unit’s success will not be the knowledge and skills gained, but the impact felt by the citizens of Delta state. We must move from the “what” and “how” of PLS to “doing PLS.”

“Laws are not museum pieces meant to sit on shelves; they are living instruments. By budgeting for scrutiny, you ensure that the laws you pass are actually delivering the social and economic dividends promised to the people.”

In his keynote address, the speaker, Hon Guwor, said it was a day that reflects collective commitment to strengthening democratic governance, improving legislative effectiveness and ensuring that the laws we make truly serve the people of Delta State.

Represented by the majority leader, DSHA, Engr Emeja Nwaobi, he lauded the unit at the Assembly and reaffirmed their resolve to position the Delta Assembly as a forward-looking legislature aligned with global best practices.

“As representatives of the people, we must constantly ask ourselves: Are the laws we pass working? Are they delivering measurable benefits? Are they addressing the real challenges faced by our constituents? The Post-Legislative Scrutiny Department provides us with the institutional mechanism to answer these questions responsibly and objectively.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, said he was glad that the House has progressed from validating the PLS project to endorsing same.

Represented by the director, Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Abidemi Ekpemina, Ohwovoriole said the endorsement has given birth to the launch of the PLS Unit for the DSHA and Ministry of Justice.