Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
The House of Representatives has advocated for a home grown parliamentary system of government instead of the much sought after part-time legislature in Nigeria saying that the business of government is much more demanding than a part-time legislature can carry out
Speaker of the House Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abbas said this in an opening remark at ‘National Dialogue on a Home-grown Parliamentary System of Government’ held at the Musa Ya’radua Center Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Hon.Alhassan Ado Doguwa, he said that this model of government at the legislative arm of government he pointed out speaks directly to the aspirations of our people for a governance system that reflects our values, priorities, and cultural identity.
It is the brainchild of the Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG) who are members of.the House that have shown dedication, intellectual investment, and unwavering support for the parliament, tirelessly championing the ideals of transparency, accountability, and genuine representation for the Nigerian people.
The dialogue nonetheless brought together patriots from various sectors including civil society groups, government, and private stakeholder players to reflect on very critical aspect of the country’s governance system.
According to him, our legislature has indeed come a long way. It is instructive to remind us that the legislature was always the victim of military interference in governance for over three decades.
He noted that unlike the executive and judicial arms of government that have remained without much interference, the legislature has had a chequered experience, which is the reason many Nigerians are still yet to come to terms with the constitutional responsibility of the legislature and the manner such duties are discharged as distinct from the executive functions.
The public the number four citizen of Nigeria noted often perceive the legislature like the executive arm of government and expectations from the legislature place a lot of burden and pressure on the members of the legislature.
However, he pointed out that since the return of Nigeria to democratic governance in 1999, the legislature has been steadfast in an effort to build resilience within the Parliamentary institution and engage the public to understand the workings of the legislature.
He said: “We’ve invested significantly in the human capacity of the National Assembly’s bureaucracy and nurtured the growth of parliamentarians who pass through its chambers.
“Every stride we take, every reform we undertake, is a commitment to ensure that our democracy is not just functional but progressively adaptive to the needs of Nigerians.
“Today, the House of Representatives is named ‘’The People’s House’’. This is meant to reflect the purpose of the legislature as a public square owned by the people and in the last sixteen months of our inauguration as a House, we have carried Nigerians along in our activities and we will continue to engage them to ensure that their views and aspirations are reflected in our service delivery”.
The Speaker further said that a home-grown Parliamentary System must not only reflect the procedural aspects of governance but also the intrinsic values, goals, and cultural nuances of the people it serves.
It should be a leadership model grounded in substance, not merely in style.
This he submitted is the essence of indigenous governance; it is about crafting a legislative system that resonates with the everyday realities, aspirations, and diversity of the Nigerian people.
He posited that he is aware that a unicameral system of government is often discussed adding that we must however, recognize that Nigeria’s vast geographical and cultural diversity poses unique demands.
He posited that unlike smaller or more homogeneous nations, our bicameral system has enabled us to balance representation across regions and ethnic groups, enhancing inclusivity and participation in the democratic process. Any significant structural change must, therefore, be carefully considered within the context of Nigeria’s complexities to avoid unintended consequences.
Speaking on the need for the adoption of a part-time legislature, the Speaker said that he must respectfully challenge this notion, as it may underestimate the profound responsibility that legislators bear.
A legislator’s duties, he pointed out comprising of law-making, representation, and oversight are demanding and require substantial time and commitment.
Government is not a casual endeavour; it is a serious business that demands full attention, accountability, and dedication.
Therefore our focus should instead be on embedding our legislative values into a home-grown model for the benefit of the citizens.
Accordingly, in order to enhance resilience and professionalism, the National Assembly has prioritized continuous training and capacity building.
Its Committees, leadership structures, members, administrative personnel, legislative aides, and support staff undergo consistent development programs on diverse topics, all aimed at delivering on their Legislative Agenda for the benefit of Nigerians.
The House Speaker however noted that the dialogue is an open avenue for fresh perspectives and innovative insights, broadening the understanding and revealing paths that the House may not have previously considered.
