Davik Okoh
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. has called for more partnerships with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and donor agencies towards strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly.
Speaker Abbas stated that the capacity needs assessment of the National Assembly, especially the House, is an essential process that would “enable us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses as an institution.”
The Speaker added that it would provide the House with valuable insights into “areas where we can improve our legislative processes, oversight mechanisms, and overall effectiveness in representing the interests of the citizens.”
The Speaker made the call at a meeting with development partners, donor agencies, technical partners and civil society organisations (CSOs) on the capacity needs assessment of the House, in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting was organised by the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under the Office of the Speaker.
The development partners represented at the meeting included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), KLEEN Foundation, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), among others.
Also at the meeting were the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Akin Rotimi; Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, and Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of the Legislative Agenda, Hon Patrick Umoh.
The Speaker, represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said through the assessment, the House aimed to identify specific areas where additional support and capacity-building initiatives were required.
“This includes enhancing our research capabilities, strengthening our committee system, improving legislative drafting skills, and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the House,” the Speaker stated, describing the meeting as a crucial engagement regarding the partners’ technical support to the House.
He recalled an earlier meeting held on September 18, 2023, where both sides discussed the House’s intention to harness the partners’ expertise, support and goodwill in the drive to enhance the capacities of members and staff.
The Speaker noted that the move was in recognition of the fact that development partners, donor agencies and CSOs play a vital role in supporting democratic institutions like the parliament.
He said: “During that meeting, as I have emphasised on numerous other occasions, I highlighted the unique capacity challenges faced by the 10th House, owing to the significant turnover rate resulting from the general elections. As legislators, we must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to fulfil our responsibilities effectively.
“In order to address these challenges effectively, the House in its Legislative Agenda identified capacity development as a key avenue of equipping the legislature to deliver quality services in terms of representation, oversight and law making.”
Speaker Abbas also noted that he established the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under his office for the purposes of coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all technical support and capacity development drive of the House.
“I am pleased to observe that some progress has been achieved, following our initial meeting. I am aware that our technical partners and supporters have been collaborating with the PCU to provide various forms of assistance to the House. This demonstrates your dedication to strengthening our democracy.
“The House, as well as th…
[5:33 PM, 11/13/2023] Mich Agbaji1: Kalu congratulates Imo Gov, Uzodinma on reelection
by Michael Agbaji
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has congratulated Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on his reelection.
It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Uzodinma the winner of the Saturday gubernatorial election.
Uzodinma who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 540,308 votes to defeat his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, who scored 71,503 votes just as the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Athan Achonu, came third with 64,081 votes.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said that Uzodinma’s margin of win has eloquently stated that the people of Imo State have reestablished their unwavering confidence in his administration, the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said: “On behalf of my family, the good people of Bende federal constituency of Abia State, I congratulate you, my big brother, the indefatigable governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma on your big win at the polls.
“Your margin of win has eloquently stamped one fact: that the people of Imo State have reestablished their unwavering confidence in your administration, the renewned hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The resounding victory is also a testament of your tireless efforts to reposition Imo State.
“For sure, the milestones you recorded in the last 3 and half years of your administration endeared the people to you and made them to opt for continuity.
“I have no doubts that you will continue to deliver on the mandate of more meaningful developmental strides across all sectors of the economy in the state. Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved victory”.
