Politics
‘Legislators Should Enlighten Nigerians On Legislative Duties
The spokesman for the 2020 National Legislative Conference, Amb. Chibuzor Okereke, says the Legislative Arm of Government must continue to engage in national conversations to sensitise Nigerians to its function, powers and deliverables.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, Okereke, said that the Legislature, which is the youngest of the three Arms of Government had suffered the most under successive military regimes.
He said that the Legislature had also come under serious attacks by Nigerians in recent times, blaming it on lack of proper understanding of the roles of the Legislature in a democratic system of government.
The spokesman said that the theme for the 2020 National Legislative conference, which will hold today, November 30, in Abuja is “Legislative Investigation Powers, Expectations and Challenges and the Way Forward’’.
According to him, the conference is being put together by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with HallowMace Communications Ltd and will bring state and national legislators to discuss salient issues with other stakeholders.
“We are bringing this conference to address the grey areas associated with the powers of the National Assembly.
There are people who ague the content of the investigative powers; we have seen cases where people have queried National Assembly’s investigative powers.
“People are also asking question about the powers of the National Assembly to increase or reduce the national budget.
“But we know that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution give the National Assembly far reaching powers when it comes to issues of investigation.
“However, there are some schools of thought who argue that the National Assembly are only to expose corruption and most of these issues are in the Executive Arm.
“When the Legislature finishes its work, it still hands over the findings to the Executive for implementation.
“These are the challenges; so the conference will focus on us examing and beaming x-ray lights on how the National Assembly can effectively utilise its investigative powers and also look at the challenges.
“In the most recent hearings, we have seen party stalwarts go and air and asking the Senate President and the Speaker questions like, who is the majority in the National Assembly?
“Why do you have opposition members heading committees that are now embarrassing our government.
“So that perception that any investigative hearing being carried out by the National Assembly is a witch-hunt or if it is being done by a committee headed by the opposition is being done to embarrass the government, these are things to be looked at,’’ he said.
Okereke, who is also the Convener, Nigeria’s Peoples Assembly, said that of the four major functions of the legislature – lawmaking, representation, oversight and constituency services – the oversight function has come under serious scrutiny.
According to him, it is through the oversight function that the assembly institutes public investigative hearing.
Okereke said that since 1999, the National Assembly had conducted many investigative hearings including the most recent ones on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chinese Loans.
He said that there was a need to ensure that the outcome of such investigations met the demands and exceptions of Nigerians.
”Political interference by the political parties, the political will of the National Assembly to deliver and how open and transparent these process have been and most importantly, what have we done with report of previous investigative hearing.
“And looking at the way forward, it is the committees either standing or ad hoc, that carries out these investigations.
“So how are people appointed into committee either as chairman or as members and how can viable committee members help in conducting very efficient investigative hearing that will deliver the kind of result Nigerians expect.
“Majorly this oversight is put in place to ensure value for money, to ensure that Executives do not abuse their powers and to ensure efficiency in government and curb waste.
“It is important to pay less attention to lawmaking because every Legislative Assembly wants to score themselves on the number of laws they have made.
“But there are key issues about waste, cost of governance, abuse of power, human rights violation and poor delivery of jobs with government fund,” he said
The spokesman said that the keynote speaker for the conference will be the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He said that the Senate president and Speaker are the special guests of honour while the Majority Leader of the House of Representative and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami will be speaking at the panel section among others.
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A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.
In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.
“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.
He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.
“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.
The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.
“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.
He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.
Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.
“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.
He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.
“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.
Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.
He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.
Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.
“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.
“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.
“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.
Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.
The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.
The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.
The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.
According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.
The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.
They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.
The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.
They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.
The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.
The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.
The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.
They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.
The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.
By: King Onunwor
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