In fulfilment of his campaign promoses, Speaker of the House of
Representatives Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara has set up a commiytee that will
re-draft his legislative agenda for the 8th Assembly.
Dogara had few days to the Speakership election unveiled his legislative
agenda for the House promisin to have it reviewed by a select committee of
members, international donor agencies and civil society organisations.
Declaring open the three-day event in Abuja yesterday, Dogara the historic
election of presiding officers of the House that took place on 9th June
2015 which produced him as Speaker and Rt. Hon Lasun Yussuf as Deputy
Speaker came with much expectations from Nigerians.
According to him, “The expectation of House Members and Nigerians alike is
very high as the election was very keenly contested and we also made
promises during our campaigns for Speakership. It is now time to deliver
on those promises.”
“I am impressed with the caliber of men and women gathered here today for
this assignment. The honourable members were carefully chosen based on
their abilities and capacity.”
“The British government`s Department for International Development (DFID)
that has been supporting the House over the years through PLAC is fully
represented. The relevant agencies of the National Assembly are all here.
Very distinguished professionals and resource persons have been invited
to avail us of their experiences and expertise . We expect a lot from this
meeting.”
He tasked the committee to among other things ” to construct a legislative
roadmap , a legislative compass for the 8th House of Representatives. The
document you will produce at the end of your assignment is expected to
guide the actions of the House for the next four years.”
“During of campaign for election as presiding officers we unveiled our
agenda entitled: “ My Legislative Agenda for the 8th House of
Representatives”. I also made an Acceptance Speech after our election.
These documents should serve as a guide or at best working documents. You
are not bound by them. We expect you to think outside the box. Indeed,
we expect you to proffer legislative solutions to the myriad of problems
that confront us as a nation.”
The Legislative Agenda document you will produce at the end of your
proceedings will be presented to the entire House for deliberation at
Plenary Sessions and the final document will be as approved by the House
in plenary.
Speaking earlier, Director of PLAC Dr. Clem Nwakwo said the retreat will
afford members opportunity to craft the Legislative Agenda of the 8th
Assembly as envisioned by the leadership.
For part, representative of the DFID Clara Bernatt disclosed that since
2010 the organisation has been implementing prorammes that are aimed at
deepening democracy in Nigeria.
She said the agenda when drafted and approved by the House will hold
members accountable while strenghtening their skills and knowlege
especially that the National Assembly is at the heart of democracy.