Reps Open Week: Our Challenges Demand Collective Efforts – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s challenges demand collective efforts that transcend political differences.

He, therefore, harped on the need for executive and legislative collaboration without jettisoning the significance of effective oversight for greater accountability to all Nigerians who elected both arms of government into different offices.

Tinubu stated this yesterday in his remarks at “House Open Week 2024” and the 10th House of Representatives one-year scorecard presentation at the National Assembly Arcade in Abuja.

Represented by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the president urged the lawmakers to organise town hall meetings with their constituents to get their opinions about governance in the country.

While pledging his commitment to collaboration with the legislative and judicial arms of the government to ensure inclusivity, Tinubu tasked the lawmakers with robust oversight of the executive’s activities and creating platforms for engagement with Nigerians.

He said, “The chosen theme, improving inclusion through citizens’ engagement, is apt, timely and vital because it underscores the importance of, no doubt, the need for executive and legislative collaboration but also the significance of effective oversight for greater accountability to all Nigerians that elected us into office in different capacities.

“Our gathering here today, I must say, is critical to our nation’s journey to greatness. The challenges before us demand collective efforts that obliterate political differences in all forms,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the speaker of the House, Hon Tajudeen Abass, said the Green Chamber would sustain and deepen its engagements with Nigerians to strengthen the democratic process and build a more inclusive and responsive legislature.

Abbas said the House was dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication with the public and to continuously improving its processes to ensure greater transparency and accountability, adding that sustained engagement with citizens will lead to more effective governance and a stronger, more resilient democracy.

On the House’s performance last year, the speaker said, “In its first session, the House introduced 1,351 bills, the highest number in any first session since 1999. Of these, 89 bills were passed, reflecting the House’s commitment to legislative efficiency and effectiveness.

“Also, as of June 13, 2024, 679 motions were moved on the floor of the 10th House. Of these, 672 (99 percent) were being considered at various committees, while seven (1%) were negatived. Among these motions, 43 (6.0 percent) were referred to ad-hoc committees and 629 (93 percent) to standing committees.

“On oversight visits and inspections, the House Committees visited 107 Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and projects nationwide. This is despite most standing committees being inaugurated between November and December 2023, averaging 1-2 visits per committee.

“In the year under review, out of the 240 public petitions currently under investigation, 40 cases have been closed. In contrast, 10 cases have been laid before the House for further consideration. By this, the House has shown that it is sensitive and responsive to the people’s yearnings.”

In a goodwill message, former speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said his total allowances during his tenure were N25 million, while his salary was N400,000.

Dogara said the disclosure became necessary due to a public misconception that members of the National Assembly earn huge salaries and allowances.

“While I was the speaker, my salary was N400,000, and my total allowance was N25 million; I told my accountant to open a separate account for the allowances. I never took any money out of that account. Everything that came into that account catered to constituents’ needs.

“I am saying this so Nigerians will give their legislatures breathing space and know that the narrative about members’ pay is not true,” he said.

On his part, the governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani, lamented the proliferation of illicit arms in the country, which was fuelling insecurity, saying 70 percent out of the 350 million illicit arms illegally in circulation in the West African sub-region were domiciled in Nigeria.

He also decried that about 65 percent of Nigerians were living below the poverty line; hence, elected representatives should be careful of making excuses about their salaries and allowances as that will not be entertained by people.

“When I left the 9th Assembly as a Senator, there were some very important legislations that I thought needed to be looked into by the 10th Assembly. Number one is the creation of state police, but I am happy the House of Representatives is leading towards the epoch of the creation of state police.

“Sitting here, one of the most important areas we need to look into is the issue of insecurity in our country, and that can only be resolved when we collectively agree that we must create state police in Nigeria. I commend you for the leadership role, and I can assure you we will be there to support you.

“Another observation I want to make is to revisit the Fire Arms Act. Today in Nigeria, we have the highest number of illegal arms in circulation. ..From the United Nations, we have over 350 million illicit arms illegally in circulation in the West African sub-region. More than 70 per cent of those illicit arms are domiciled in Nigeria, and I think it is important to look into the Fire Arms Act because it is obsolete; it is not in line with global best practices.  It would be best if you looked into that important law so that you can amend it.

“As we are speaking, Nigeria still has the highest number of out-of-school children in the whole world, and that should be addressed.

Again, if you look at the cycle of the people who are financially excluded in this country, it is also unacceptable.

“We have about 65% of people that are living below the poverty line. So, standing here to make excuses about our salaries and allowances will not be entertained by Nigerians. We should reduce poverty and unemployment and, most importantly, develop robust legislation that can address these challenges,” Sani added.

Earlier, the deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, emphasised the importance of an open legislature, saying it will enable lawmakers to prioritise legislative actions that will help to meet Nigerians’ needs.

He said, “On behalf of the House of Representatives, I welcome you all to Open Week 2024. As the People’s House, we understand the importance of transparency and public engagement. This week is dedicated to engendering a more inclusive and democratic legislative process that reflects our constituents’ needs and voices.”