Takeaways From Speaker Abbas’ World Press Conference

At a time the country faces critical challenges that threaten the very fabric of its existence; at a time Nigerians battle with economic hardship that leaves many households in pains; at a time the people in some parts of the country cannot go to their farms or go to sleep with their eyes closed, they need some form of reassurance from their leaders to keep hope alive. They need to see concrete actions taken by those they entrusted with power.

That exactly was what Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D did when he took the bull by the horn to address a world press conference on Thursday, February 8, 2024, in solidarity with the Nigerian masses, to show his concern and that of the House on the current situation in the country and reassure the citizens that the Parliament would take all the necessary legislative actions in collaboration with the Executive arm to ameliorate their plight.

On January 30, when the House reconvened from its Christmas and New Year break, the Speaker, in his address to his colleagues, said the Green Chamber would prioritise the economy and security in the year 2024.
While acknowledging the concerns of Nigerians on the current state of the economy, security and other issues during Thursday’s press conference, Speaker Abbas assured of doubled efforts towards addressing them.

First, the Speaker recognized the fact that as representatives of the Nigerian people, members of the House could not afford to pay lip service to the plight of the same individuals who elected them into office to protect their interests.
The press conference, in the words of the Speaker, was “to address some pressing challenges we face as a nation. The very fabric of our society is being tested, our resilience strained, and our unity challenged. However, amidst these trials, our spirit remains unbroken, and our resolve to overcome and thrive grows stronger.”

Speaker Abbas reckoned that the House was “acutely” aware of the rising security challenges affecting different parts of the country, noting that as elected representatives, the House also acknowledged the pain and suffering of every family that had been a victim of “brutal crimes and needless violence.”
The cries of Nigerians have not fallen on deaf ears, and their tears have not gone unseen, the Speaker assured, noting “We stand in solidarity with every Nigerian affected and commit to deploying robust legislative measures to empower our security agencies, ensure justice, and restore peace and order in our communities.”

The Speaker noted how Mr President demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the security situation and enhancing the capability of the armed forces. One of the steps taken was the acquisition and induction of the T-129 ATAK helicopter and the King Air 360i aircraft into the Nigeria Air Force. This action was an indication of the government’s dedication to investing in the security infrastructure of our nation.

The Speaker also recognised and commended the patriotic and courageous efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies. However, the Speaker said “the time has come for us to demand greater transparency from our security agencies and full accountability for all the funds spent and earmarked for spending in the sector. We kick-started our sectoral debates in November last year with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to demonstrate the seriousness we attach to security.”

The Speaker then assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the government’s efforts in finding effective solutions to these challenges. A critical step he House took in that direction was the creation of the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security with a mandate to strengthen the legislative framework for nutrition governance in Nigeria, advocate for the inclusion of nutrition in government priority programmes, and monitor resource allocation to nutrition in the annual budget estimates.

He also reassured Nigerians that the House would prioritise funding for programmes and initiatives to alleviate hunger and enhance security.
To achieve results, the Speaker harped on the need for synergy among the three arms of government – executive, legislative, and judiciary – so as to function not as isolated entities but as a cohesive unit with a common goal, which is the welfare and progress of our dear country. He lauded the president’s disposition to collaborate with the National Assembly while respecting its independence.

In view of such ugly developments, the Speaker announced the intention of the House to strengthen libel, slander, and defamation legislation, stressing that “the House has no intention to stifle free speech. Instead, our objective is to protect the dignity of individuals and the integrity of public discourse.”

In the end, Speaker Abbas enjoined Nigerians to be patient as measures taken by the government take effect. He equally urged the citizens to join hands in solidarity and support the government’s policies, and work together toward the common goal of a better, stronger, and more unified Nigeria.

– Krishi is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives