The House of Representatives has held a National Dialogue On a Home- Grown Parliamentary System Of Government.
The event was organised by the Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG) of the House of Representatives.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas while declaring the event open, said that dialogue brings together patriots from various sectors, civil society, government, and private stakeholders to reflect on very critical aspects of the governance system.
He said that the initiative was timely, as it speaks directly to the aspirations of Nigerians for a governance system that reflects values, priorities, and cultural identity.
” Let me extend my gratitude to the Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG) for their dedication, intellectual investment, and unwavering support for the parliament, tirelessly championing the ideals of transparency, accountability, and genuine representation for the Nigerian people. This And indeed, the diversity of this gathering underscores the seriousness and critical importance of our shared objective: to foster a governance model that is both home-grown and sustainable for Nigeria. Our legislature has indeed come a long way. It is instructive to remind us that the legislature was always the victim of military interference in governance for over three decades.
“Unlike the Executive and Judicial Arms of government that have remained without much interference, the legislature has had a chequered experience, which is the reason many Nigerians are still yet to come to terms with the constitutional responsibility of the legislature and the manner such duties are discharged as distinct from the executive functions.
“The public often perceive the legislature like the executive arm of government and expectations from the legislature place a lot of burden and pressure on the members of the legislature”. Mr. Abbas said.
He also said that however, since the return of Nigeria to democratic governance in 1999, the legislature has been steadfast in an effort to build resilience within the Parliamentary institution and engage the public to understand the workings of the legislature.
“We’ve invested significantly in the human capacity of the National Assembly’s bureaucracy and nurtured the growth of parliamentarians who pass through its chambers. Every stride we take, every reform we undertake, is a commitment to ensure that our democracy is not just functional but progressively adaptive to the needs of Nigerians. Today, the House of Representatives is named ‘’The People’s House’’. This is meant to reflect the purpose of the legislature as a public square owned by the people and in the last sixteen months of our inauguration as a House, we have carried Nigerians along in our activities and we will continue to engage them to ensure that their views and aspirations are reflected in our service delivery,” he said.
The Speaker said that a home-grown Parliamentary System must not only reflect the procedural aspects of governance but also the intrinsic values, goals, and cultural nuances of the people it serves.
Leadership Model
He also said that Home-Grown Parliamentary System should be a leadership model grounded in substance, not merely in style.
“This, I believe, is the essence of indigenous governance; it is about crafting a legislative system that resonates with the everyday realities, aspirations, and diversity of the Nigerian people. As we examine potential reforms, I am aware that a unicameral system of government is often discussed. However, we must recognize that Nigeria’s vast geographical and cultural diversity poses unique demands. Unlike smaller or more homogeneous nations, our bicameral system has enabled us to balance representation across regions and ethnic groups, enhancing inclusivity and participation in the democratic process. Any significant structural change must, therefore, be carefully considered within the context of Nigeria’s complexities to avoid unintended consequences,” he said.
He noted that the focus should be on embedding legislative values into a home-grown model.
“To enhance resilience and professionalism, the National Assembly has prioritized continuous training and capacity building. Committees, leadership structures, members, administrative personnel, legislative aides, and support staff undergo consistent development programs on diverse topics, all aimed at delivering on our Legislative Agenda for the benefit of Nigerians. However, Dialogues like this are indispensable. They open avenues for fresh perspectives and innovative insights, broadening our understanding and revealing paths that we may not have previously considered. I eagerly look forward to reviewing the report from this dialogue and the various recommendations for building a truly home-grown parliamentary system for Nigeria,” he added.
One of the conveners of the Home-Grown Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG), Mr. Abdussamad Dasuki, said that the group brought together a unique assembly that spans generations.
He noted that there was no doubt that the gathering was more than just a gathering; it was a bridge between generations, a profound exercise in mentorship and torch passing.
“We have brought together a unique assembly that spans generations. Each of us is bound by a shared commitment to rethinking Nigeria’s future and building a system that aligns with our values and aspirations. It, therefore, fills me with pride to see such a breadth of experience, insight, and ambition represented here.
“As we explore the case for a home-grown parliamentary in Nigeria, let us remember that this dialogue is not only about governance structures but also about inspiring the next generation to lead with reason, reflect on Nigeria’s potential, and forge a path that honours our shared history, culture, and collective dreams for a better nation,” Mr. Dasuki said.
The Home-Grown Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG), is a group which currently has eighty six lawmakers championing the call for a return to a governance system that truly serves the people.
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