Analysts have faulted the 9th House of Representatives for the late presentation of a legislative agenda that would guide the operations of their mandate in the next four years (2019 – 2023). They wonder why it has taken the House four months after inauguration to put in place a common policy document that would have been drafted in a couple of weeks if leadership and members were committed to the progress of the masses whose mandate they hold in trust.
Unlike the 8th House of Representatives under the headship of Yakubu Dogara that unveiled its legislative agenda barely two weeks after proclamation in 2015, the present House under Femi Gbajabiamila since coming on board in June just presented its legislative agenda just last Friday. The 9th House legislative agenda generally intends to develop an effective and efficient House of Representatives, positioned to carry out its constitutionally recognised mandate of legislation, oversight functions.
The general principles also aimed at, establishing and maintaining high ethical standards in the conduct of House business, strengthening the mechanism and processes of the Committee system of the House to deliver on legislative goals and adopting a strategy that will open communication within the House and between both chambers, the judiciary and stakeholders. Others are to, “Identify and target passage of priority legislation with agreed time frame. Foster engagement and collaboration with CSOS, civic groups and constituents.
Take necessary legislative steps to address national challenges, poverty, and infrastructure decline, waste of resources, revenue leakage and corruption. “Take necessary legislative initiative to promote equality and inclusiveness to ensure that the rights of women, youth’s, vulnerable and displaced persons in the society are addressed. Initiate comprehensive legislative action to address unsettled issues related to the constitution and electoral reform, including the alterations to the Constitution.
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“Improve the use of modern communications technology in the conduct of House business and the use of same to publish proceedings, in full compliance with the Open Government Initiative. Work harmoniously and inter-dependently with the executive without undermining the principle of Separation of Power. “Make laws that will block leakages and devise improved means of generating revenue, especially through the amendment and review of our tax laws which will help to reduce reliance on local and foreign loans to enhance budget.
Ensure that the budget process is made to deliver on the objectives of development. “Run the 9th House of Representatives transparently, through open accountability with the full participation of all Members. Protect and improve on the welfare, rights and privileges of National Assembly support staff inclusive of the Legislative Aides Cadre.
“Utilise the experiences of our former colleagues and other parliamentary experts by engaging them as, consultants to committees and members of boards exclusive of National assembly namely National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Public Complaints Commission) and the National Institute for Legislative democratic studies( nilds ).” But, so lo mongb en ga, national youth director, Young Progressives Party (YPP), views the late unveiling of the legislative agenda as lack of commitment to national development by the lawmakers, insisting they would be held responsible for socio economic woes of the country.
