The current House of Representatives (10th assembly) was exactly one year on June 13, 2024. The House stated how much it has achieved within the period, a feat it claimed surpassed those of the past assemblies since the return of democratic governance in 1999. This is, however, amidst criticisms. JOSHUA EGBODO writes.
Post-inauguration promises
Following the inauguration of the 10th House after Abbas Tajudeen emerged as Speaker, with Benjamin Kalu as his deputy, the House sprang into action. The newly elected Speaker, Tajudeen in his acceptance speech offer some insights into what the House would be doing under his leadership, by firstly, rolling out a legislative agenda.
Thanking his colleagues for finding him worthy to hold the position in trust for them, he said “under my watch, the 10th House shall sustain and even surpass the gains of the 9th House. That is my prayer. We shall carry out the TASK before us JOINTLY. We shall introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians. In a few weeks, we shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House of Representatives.
“We shall work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve. We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislation that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.
“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability.
“Through legislation, the 10th House will promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises. We shall diversify our economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth. We are aware of the challenges in our education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst others. We will work in harmony with the executive arm, while upholding principles of checks and balances. Our collaboration will be anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law…”.
Agenda unveiled
True to his pledges, the Speaker in no time, set up the legislative agenda drafting committee under the Chairmanship of Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, a document the House was to later adopt and unveiled before the public.
In the words of the Speaker, the House identified eight key legislative priorities, namely; strengthening good governance, improving national security, law reform, economic growth and development, inclusion and open parliament, social sector reform and development, influencing foreign policy, and climate change and environmental sustainability in addition to “collaboration and multi-partisanship on common priorities” among others.
One year journey
In reminiscing the activities of the House over its first legislative year, the Speaker disclosed on Tuesday that the green chamber introduced a total of 1,351 motions and successfully passed 89 of the instruments. He also said that 679 motions were equally introduced within the period under review to reawaken relevant ministeries, departments and agencies to their mandates.
In his message to mark the commencement of the second session of the legislative year on July 2, 2024, Abbas through his deputy, Kalu said that with 1,351 bills, the 10th House has surpassed the previous ones since the return of democracy in 1999.
“On the 13th of June 2023, we were inaugurated into this House with a shared commitment to be the strong voice and champions of our constituents. We made a solemn pledge to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and progress. Today, as we reflect on our First Session, I am proud to say that we have not only honoured that pledge but have exceeded all expectations.
“Together, we have faced national challenges head-on, debated passionately, legislated wisely, and upheld the values that define us as a democratic society. At the heart of this democratic journey has been the legislature, an institution that epitomizes the participatory character of our democracy.
“The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the aspirations and interests of Nigerians are represented, laws are made for the peace and progress of the country, and the executive is held accountable.
“The 10th House, in its First Session, has continued to uphold these tenets and the legacy of previous sessions before us. Throughout our first session, each one of you has demonstrated unwavering dedication and integrity in carrying out our duties.
“We have engaged in robust debates, passed crucial legislation, conducted thorough oversight, and stood firm in representing the diverse voices of our nation. Together, we have shown what true public service looks like – selfless, principled, and committed to the common good.
“We have passed numerous laws that have shaped our economic landscape, reformed key sectors, and strengthened our democratic institutions. The House introduced 1,351 bills, the highest number in any first session since 1999. Out of this impressive number, 89 bills were passed, reflecting the House’s commitment to legislative efficiency and effectiveness.
“Key bills include the Access to Higher Education Act, 2024, popularly known as the Students Loan Bill, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity sector by promoting investment in renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, strengthens financial oversight and transparency, ensuring better management of public funds and reducing corruption.
“Additionally, 679 motions were introduced, setting a record for the number of motions in the first session.
One of the core functions of the legislature is oversight. Through public hearings, investigative committees, and rigorous debates, we have held the executive accountable, ensuring that public funds are used judiciously and that government policies are aligned with the needs of the people. Our oversight activities have led to significant outcomes, including recovering misappropriated funds and rectifying administrative inefficiencies”, the Speaker said.
Charge for the tasks ahead
The Speaker concluded his remarks on Tuesday with a charge to his colleagues for the tasks before the House, as it begins its second legislative year. “As we begin this second session, we must acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. Despite our efforts, Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The expectations of our constituents remain high, and they look up to us to address pressing issues such as security, economy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure”, he said.
But the Lukman’s salvo
While House blew its own trumpet, there were however, criticisms from followers of the parliament since inauguration a year ago. Prominent among such was from a chieftain, and former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, who took a swipe at the leadership of both chambers of the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement entitled, “Importance of Legislature to a Democracy,” the erstwhile chieftain of the APC lamented that the legislature has reduced itself to an appendage of the Executive arm of Federal Government, stressing that the members have a lot to learn from Senator Crystal Asige of Kenya, following the recent uprising in that country.
“There is deep feeling of concerns among Nigerians that courageous voices of individual legislators in both the Senate and the House of Representatives is fading away and both chambers are becoming more like rubber stamps. Partly because of the faint or almost complete absence of courageous voices in the National Assembly, the President and the members of the Executive body of Government are practically getting away with virtually every wrong decision that are injurious to the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“A good example is the impulsive declaration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end petroleum subsidy without any clear plan. Followed by another impulsive decision to float the Naira exchange rate against other international currencies with hardly any plan.
“The consequence of this reality is rock-bottom crash of living conditions in the country as a result of unimaginable decimation of value of incomes. Now more than one year after, there doesn’t appear to be any logical response from the government and hardly any dedicated debate in any of the two chambers in the National Assembly around these issues. Not even during the debate for the passage of the 2024 budget.
“It is no secret that Nigerians are in shock and highly disappointed by the performances of the 10th National Assembly that so far hold the most expeditious record of passage of executive bills, including the scandalous reversal to an old National Anthem that hardly makes any sense without any public hearing.
“As it is now, thanks to the 10th National Assembly, President Asiwaju Tinubu’s government is operating three budgets concurrently – 2023, 2023 Supplementary and 2024 Budgets. There are speculations that a fourth – 2024 Supplementary Budget is on its way, which, if that happens, will be expressly passed and accordingly makes it the fourth concurrent budget running”, the party chieftain said in a statement partly recapped here.
Reps fire back
While the comments of Lukman trends, the House of Representatives countered his assertions, describing them as “unfounded”.
Deputy spokesman of the House Dr. Philip Agbese, in a statement said “Salihu Mohammed Lukman’s persistent attempts to assert relevance in the political sphere have led him to unfairly criticize the esteemed leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD.
“Lukman’s baseless accusations against the National Assembly are regrettable diversions from the genuine challenges facing our nation. Those who thrive on anarchy and discord are the true obstacles to national cohesion and progress. Instead of responsibly addressing national issues, Lukman focuses on undermining dedicated leaders who are committed to serving the nation.
“Known for his rigid and self-righteous stance, Lukman often positions himself as the sole arbiter of truth, dismissing alternative viewpoints. This inflexibility hinders meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement. We urge Lukman to refrain from dragging Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas into his disputes, as the National Assembly has no role in dispensing patronage to disgruntled political operatives….”.
Who gains, loses?
As the rantings continued, analysts are of the opinion that what the parliament need do is, listen to constructive criticisms and voices of dissent, as to them, the ultimate gainers would be Nigerians when the right things are done, and the losers, still Nigerians when attention is diverted to frivolities.