The president of the House of Representatives, Excmo. Tajudeen Abbas, said Wednesday that citizens should not only be heard but also participate in governance under democracy.
President Abbas declared this in Abuja during the second edition of the Round Table of 'Citizens' with the leadership of the House of Representatives', which was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Industry, Commerce and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu; In addition to the former speakers of the house, Patricia Olubunmi etteh and Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, among others.
Excmo Abass, therefore, reformulated the commitment of the tenth chamber to commit to the public on issues of national importance.
The speaker, who was represented by his attachment, the Hon. Benjamin Kalu said that the presence of several stakeholders in the round table “reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: democracy is stronger when people are not only heard but is completely involved.”
By pointing out that the contributions had enriched the deliberations and inspired a renewed commitment to the people focused on people, the speaker Tajudeen said it was “a day of dialogue, reflection and mutual learning.”
He also said: “We join with a shared purpose: listen to each other, to reflect on how far we have arrived and draw a more inclusive and receptive path forward.”
The speaker Abbas declared that he was really encouraged by “the richness of exchanges, the clarity of the perspectives offered and the passion with which he has talked about the future of our country.”
He added: “This event is not a conclusion. It is part of a continuous process of construction of a Parliament that works with people and not only for them.
“As president of the House of Representatives, I am more convinced than ever that the strength of our legislative work depends on the depth of our commitment to citizens.
“That is why we place the participation of citizens in the heart of the legislative agenda of the tenth chamber. That is why we have committed ourselves to regular platforms such as this: listen, learn and act.
“We believe that laws must reflect the values ​​and realities of the people they should serve. We believe that governance must be transparent, inclusive and responsible. Above all, we believe that people must remain in the center of our democratic process.”
By thanking the Nigerians for involving the Chamber, the speaker emphasized that the commitment remembered the Parliament “the dignity of the public service and the responsibility we all share to advance our democracy.”
He said: “Let's not stop here. We carry this spirit of dialogue beyond the walls of this camera. Allow us to remain active and remain determined to shape the future of our democracy with courage and purpose.
“The House of Representatives remains their home. Its doors are open. Its ears are open. His work will continue to reflect the will and wisdom of the people.”
Previously in his welcome speech, the majority leader said that the commitment, which gathered the leadership of the Chamber with the citizens, “underlines our resolution to continually interact with the people to whom we have the privilege of serving.”
Professor Ihonvbere, who spoke through the minority leader, added that the meeting also served as a significant marker, coinciding with the medium term of the tenth house, “allowing us to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our dedication to the priorities of people and the nation.”
He said: “We recognize that the voices of citizens are of the utmost importance, and their perspectives are critical to shape the laws, policies and decisions that affect their lives. Our commitment to a prosperous democracy is based on the active commitment of each citizen.
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“We believe that open dialogues like this, constructive criticism and the free exchange of ideas are essential to guide the leadership of our nation to navigate the ship of our state towards progress and prosperity. This round table is, therefore, a demonstration of our dedication to building a strong and dynamic relationship between the house and the people we represent.”
Participants in the round table asked legislators many questions about the activities of the tenth chamber, while legislators provided relevant answers. Some participants also praised the tenth house for leading and prioritizing citizens' commitments.
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