The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has declared that the legislative chamber he leads is resolute in its support for the ongoing war against corruption waged by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was as he noted that the National Assembly has been a dependable organ of government, willing and able to use its constitutional powers of oversight for the common good of the people.
“Each successive Assembly has made efforts in improving on the effectiveness of its legislative oversight function to promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria,” he stated.
A statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan reports that Dogara made the disclosure on Saturday while delivering a lecture titled: “Legislative Oversight as a Critical Component of Good Governance” at the fourth convocation ceremony of Achievers University in Owo, Ondo state.
According to him, “the oversight activities of the legislature faces enormous challenges and setbacks that should be overcome, if it is to lead to good governance that we are all looking for.”
“The 8th House of Representatives committed itself to fighting corruption and abuse of office in its Legislative Agenda and it is supporting the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, in its effort to eradicate corruption in Nigeria.”
The Speaker listed some of the challenges being faced by legislature in Nigeria to include lack of cooperation by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, MDAs, in the executive branch; public misconception on the mandate, role and activities of the legislature.
He also identified another major challenge as the inadequate funding of oversight activities such that in highly technical areas of oversight, there may not be enough resources to engage the kind of technical assistance required to conduct a proper oversight.
Dogara noted that there may be a few bad eggs as it is in any human institution that may not live up to their oath of office and legislative duties, but that the leadership of the House was dedicated to ensuring that any proven case of misdemeanor by any member is appropriately dealt with.
“There is no doubt that good governance is essential for the achievement of social, political and economic progress in society. It is the means through which the state can effectively address the allocation and management of resources to enable it respond to the collective good of society without discrimination,” he noted.
He pointed out that Nigeria, as a fledgling democracy with a chequered history of military rule, is yet to attain its full potential in the practice of good governance through legislative oversight.
Dogara also pointed out that although the Parliament guards its independence so jealously, one cardinal principle that defines the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive is “cooperation” and not “confrontation” so as to deliver greater good for the greater number of the people.
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