According to the report from the Vanguard, The House of Representatives has announced that only 40 out of 240 public petitions submitted over the past year have been resolved. The Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, made this disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during the presentation of the one-year scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives.
Rep. Abbas emphasized the importance of public petitions as a "powerful mechanism for the House to address grievances from the public. In the year under review, out of the 240 public petitions currently under investigation, a total of 40 cases have been closed."
He further mentioned that 10 additional cases had been laid before the House for further consideration, demonstrating the House's commitment to being "sensitive and responsive to the people’s yearnings." Abbas highlighted the House's pivotal role in mediating conflicts and ensuring the smooth resolution of crises.
Among the notable interventions, Abbas cited the House's timely dialogue with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which led to the successful call-off of a nationwide strike. Additionally, the House played a crucial role in resolving grievances of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, thereby minimizing disruptions in the educational sector, and intervened in the Nigerian Medical Association crisis by facilitating the resolution of key issues.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of data-driven decision-making in legislative processes. “An open legislature is not just about engagement, but about data-driven decision-making,” Kalu stated.
He added, "We as your representatives have a responsibility to understand the nation’s most immediate needs and address them accordingly. This requires a meticulous approach, utilizing data and prioritizing models that reflect the pulse of our nation."
These remarks reflect the ongoing efforts of the House of Representatives to address public concerns, mediate conflicts, and make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis.