Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Tuesday that the National Assembly would form a committee to help restore democratic order in Rivers State as the House of Representatives reassembled after its Easter and Sallah recesses.
Abbas also presented a comprehensive legislative agenda, calling on lawmakers to recommit to national service and revolutionary reforms that would restore democracy, unity, and economic stability.
Abbas set the tone with a call for targeted action on important national issues during his welcoming speech to MPs, highlighting the crucial time ahead for the 10th Assembly.
We will collaborate with the Senate in the upcoming weeks to establish a high-level Committee on Reconciliation, which will include esteemed national leaders, in order to foster communication, advance peace, and aid in the return of democratic order to Rivers State and other areas afflicted by war.
He said, “Now is the time for purpose-driven legislation, for reaffirming our relationship with the people, and for strengthening democracy.”
A thorough legislative program that addressed electoral reform, constitutional revision, economic resilience, and climate action was at the center of the speaker’s speech.
Abbas emphasized the importance of passing important legislation, especially those pertaining to security, healthcare, education, and unemployment.
He cited recent achievements, such as the enactment of tax reform legislation intended to increase compliance and encourage investment.
He claimed that these showed the House’s determination to promote responsible economic governance.
Citing Nigeria’s recent IMF talks as another proof that strategic legislative supervision must be coupled with fiscal restraint, he said, “We are shaping a future where policy reforms support national development and inclusivity.”
Restoring stability in the nation’s difficult regions, particularly Rivers State, was a major theme of his speech.
In order to monitor the caretaker government and avoid a political vacuum, Abbas revealed that a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee, headed by the House Leader, is actively involving stakeholders.
Read Also: Minister: UTME Mass Failure Is A Reflection Of Exams Being Done Properly
In an attempt to update parliamentary participation, Speaker Abbas launched the New Media Exchange program.
In order to engage with younger Nigerians and transform legislative transparency, he added, the House is embracing digital media.
He stated that “we must meet the people where they are—digital influencers and online leaders have become key opinion shapers.”
Abbas acknowledged the violent attacks during the recess, which struck a mournful note despite his optimism about reforms. He claimed that catastrophes like the horrific bombing in Gamboru and the intercommunal violence in Benue and Plateau highlight the necessity of strong security legislation.
Promotion of
In addition to expressing sympathy to the bereaved families, he stated, “The House stands united in condemning these attacks and calls on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace.”
With more than 30 states expected to experience severe flooding, the speaker called for a proactive response.
He gave pertinent committees instructions to cooperate with the executive on frameworks for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
To commemorate the second anniversary of the 10th Assembly, Abbas also gave a preview of a number of public events. The purpose of the activities, which range from a House Open Week in July to a Public Policy Dialogue in Abuja, is to close the divide between the public and lawmakers.
“These are platforms to reaffirm our legislative vision and accountability to the people, not just celebrations,” he emphasized.
As the House moves into a critical stage of its four-year tenure, Abbas urged his colleagues to remain united and diligent in his closing remarks.
“The upcoming weeks are crucial. “Let’s pledge to uphold the principles that make us the People’s House,” he said.
In the meantime, the Senate established an 18-member committee on Tuesday to supervise the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State.
This information was revealed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday when session resumed.
Akpabio claims that the committee was established in an effort to improve accountability and openness in state governance.
Akpabio appointed Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, as the committee’s chair.
He emphasized the significance of the committee’s mandate, saying that it was essential to maintaining efficient legislative supervision in Rivers State.
Akpabio also alluded to the possibility of a reassessment of the committee’s makeup after additional discussions.
Along with the Senate Clerk, the committee also consists of Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed.
The Senate President emphasized the gravity of the committee’s job and instructed it to begin its oversight responsibilities immediately.
Additionally, he restated the Senate’s dedication to maintaining democratic procedures in Rivers State.
