The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, says he is spurred to make more quality legislations for national development.
Gbajabiamila made the remark after he, alongside Niger State Governor, Sani Bello and Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, received the 2022 Democracy Heroes Awards Africa in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila said that the legislative personality of the decade award conferred on him was for the entire green chamber.
The Speaker dedicated the award to the 9th House of Representatives which has passed groundbreaking legislations such as the Petroleum Industry Act and the Electoral Act, 2022.
He said; “On behalf of my leader, we say thank you very much, the organisers of this great event for honouring not only me but indeed the House of Representatives.
“We hold this award in high esteem and it will further embolden us to do more. Under our able leadership, there are a lot of legislative landmarks as you know, ranging from the Electoral Act to the passage of the great Petroleum Industry Act.”
The Speaker was represented by Aliyu Ibrahim, member representing Wurno/Rabbah Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the spokesperson of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who was part of the delegation that represented the Speaker, reiterated the commitment of the parliament to providing legislative interventions for the progress, unity and prosperity of the country.
On his part, Governor Bello who bagged the Democracy Man of the Year Award, dedicated the award to the people of Niger State.
Governor Bello urged politicians to always allow Democratic principles to guide them in running the affairs of government.
He said; “I want to advice anyone who will find himself in position of a Governor to please allow democratic principles to guide us on how we run the affairs of government. I thank the organisers for this.’’
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola who got the Best Minister of the Year award said;”Democracy thrives on the rule of law and any democratic government that does not recognise, appreciate and ensure the rule of law, is a failed democracy.”
According to him, the quality of the recipients shows that Nigeria can overcome all its challenges.
“Democracy in its real definition is the application of the rule of law, it is about the rule of law and that will lead to development,” Aregbesola said.
The organiser of Democracy Heroes Awards Africa, Mr. Olufunsho Ajaguna said that over the last 10 years, the award has been used to honour deserving democrats in Nigeria.
Ajaguna said; this is the tenth year of the awards.
“Democracy has grown and Democrats are living up to expectations.”
Dominica Nwabufo
