Blessing Omale, Abuja and Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
The House of Representatives has rescinded its earlier resolution wherein it passed a Bill for an act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to provide for the principle of rotation of the offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six geo-political Zones of the Country.
The six zones as presented in the proposed legislation are North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-South, and South-West and for related
matters
The Bill which was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker,Hon.Benjamin Kalu who presided over the legislative session was however stepped down when it was discovered by the Lawmakers that it was lumped with eight other bills by some of the lawmakers
Moreover, the bill had generated a lot of emotions during the debate on the floor whereby members who were in support argued that it will cure the long age marginalisation in the country.
But for those with the opposing view, they explained that it will encourage rivalry among Nigerians.
Some members of the House who spoke on the bill include Hon. Aliyu Madaki from Kano State, Hon. Clement Jimbo, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Shina Oyedeji, Oyo State, Hon. Ali Isa, Gombe State and
Hon. Bello El-Rufai.from Kaduna State.
Consequent upon a motion moved by the Chairman, Rules and Business Committee of the House, Hon. Francis Waive, the green chamber resolved that each of the bills be distinctively presented on the floor on the next legislative day for better understanding of the proposed law with regard to what they seek to cure
However, The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged closer collaboration with the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance
The commitment was made public during the inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda of the House, held on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, expressed the Commission’s readiness to support the legislature in driving open governance and reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.
“Mr. Speaker, we want to assure you that the ICPC is open to working closely with the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, to advance transparency and accountability in its legislative agenda.
“Our doors are open to any policy that ensures the Nigerian people benefit from the dividends of democracy”, he said.
On his part, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to a citizen-focused and transparent legislature. He described the Policy Dialogue as a step towards aligning legislative efforts with the expectations of the Nigerian public.
“This event is part of our promise to engage Nigerians, report on our activities, and remain accountable.
“It also sets the tone for our upcoming Open NASS Week, where we will welcome public scrutiny and showcase our midterm progress”, he stated.
The Speaker also outlined the House’s eight-point legislative agenda, which includes priorities such as good governance, national security, economic revitalization, legal reforms, and social development.
He emphasized that the agenda is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative, fostering synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government.
“We will continue to show legislative courage—the kind that allows us to enact meaningful reforms, even when difficult—because that is what national progress demands,” Abbas declared.
The event drew participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, development partners, and representatives from key government agencies.
Many attendees voiced strong support for legislative frameworks that promote inclusiveness, transparency, and good governance.
