The 10th National Assembly’s successful inauguration was praised as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic process by the Coalition of United Political Parties on Tuesday.
The organisation also exhorted them to be innovative and creative in the ways that laws are made in order to demonstrate competence and mark a clear break from the rubber stamp nomenclature of the past.
The group contends that Nigeria needs a radical change from the complacent leadership that has been held captive by interests hostile to the well-being of Nigerians and the security of the nation. Nigeria cannot longer afford a business-as-usual approach to governance.
The coalition advised that they never let the privileges and perks of office separate them from the realities of the people in a statement by its national co-spokesperson, Mark Adebayo.
He declared, “Today, with the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, marks another significant turning point in the development of Nigeria’s democracy. It is a well-known fact that the legislature, which unites the direct representatives of the people to discuss policies and enact laws that have a direct bearing on Nigerians’ lives and the future of the nation as a whole, is an essential branch of government in any democracy.
“While we congratulate the Distinguished Senators and the Honourable members of the House of Representatives on their successful inauguration today, we implore them to keep in mind the primary goals of their mandate, which is to promote the welfare of their constituents as a whole. We implore them to make laws and perform their legislative duties in line with the aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people, rather than caving in to the pressures of political correctness at the expense of the majority of Nigerians.
“Let Nigerians see you as their true representatives—people who truly understand their struggles, feel their pain, and are committed to providing them with effective representation that will allay their problems and preserve their hopes for a better present and future.
“We implore you to be innovative and creative in the legislative processes in a manner that demonstrates competence and marks a significant departure from the rubber stamp nomenclature of the past. Put your sense of patriotism above your political scheming. Let your political allegiances take a backseat to your loyalty to Nigerians. Give your sense of justice the upper hand over your feelings.
“Don’t turn a blind eye or a closed ear to the needs and hopes of Nigerians. Never let the benefits and privileges of your position cause you to lose touch with the lives of the people you are supposed to be representing. Your performance on that task will be used to evaluate your stewardship and determine your overall success or failure on the national scorecard, making it the most significant assignment you have at the 10th National Assembly.
“Nigeria can no longer afford to approach governance as usual. We need a radical change from the complacent leadership that has been held captive by forces hostile to Nigerians’ security and well-being. Nigeria now needs concerted efforts to rescue her from multifaceted poverty, protracted stagnation, and dreadful regression.
“The CUPP shall be unwavering in its oversight of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and shall not hesitate to summon the appropriate agencies and legislative and executive branch bodies to order as needed. We will make sure to be motivated by a patriotic commitment to the overall welfare of Nigeria and Nigerians as we carry out these demanding opposition activism.
“We will guard shrewdly against frivolities and handle matters with diligence and sophisticated professionalism based on the firm foundation of facts and intellectual chef-d’oeuvre that offer solutions at all times. We will continue to be dedicated to the development and progress of Nigeria.
