By Citizenship Daily
Since its inauguration on June 13, 2023, the 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (PhD) has demonstrated remarkable progress in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
This is done by combining cognate experience and intellect to chart the course for legislative accomplishments in line with the overall goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinibu, without compromising on public interest.
Comprising members with diverse backgrounds, the Green Chamber has fulfilled its mandate to create laws for effective governance based on available record.
In marking its first anniversary, Speaker Abbas presented a comprehensive report titled “One Year in the Peoples’ House: Performance Report of the First Session of the Tenth House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic, Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The report, made public on July 3, 2024, highlighted the House’s achievements during its first session.
Speaker Abbas outlined his commitment to foster an inclusive and participatory legislature, ensuring citizens engagement in lawmaking and oversight processes. A review of the report reveals several significant accomplishments, including:
Establishment of Standing Committees on July 27, 2023, with innovative additions like the Committee on Legislative Agenda and the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing Committees;
Development of an eight-point Legislative Agenda, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The thematic areas focus on:
a Strengthening good governance
b Enhancing national security
- Law reform
- Promoting economic growth and development
- Reforming and developing the social sector
- Fostering inclusion and open parliament
- Influencing Nigeria’s foreign policy
- Addressing climate change and environmental sustainability
The Legislative Agenda was unveiled on November 14, 2023, demonstrating the House’s dedication to effective governance and representation.
At the event, Speaker Abass underscored how his leadership ensured an inclusive and participatory legislature in the past one year.
He noted that the 10th House has been committed to running an open parliament that actively incorporates citizens’ input in lawmaking and oversight processes.
A perusal of the report indicates that one of the critical decisions taken by the Speaker Abbas-led House at inception was constituting the Standing Committees, announced on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
The Speaker’s innovative thoughts led to the establishment of the Committee on Legislative Agenda and the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Standing Committees.
While the former’s role is to ensure the full implementation of the House Legislative Agenda, the latter was to pay adequate attention to the other Standing Committees, ensuring that they meet their terms of reference
The House under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, displayed its commitment to stability and progress by strengthening good governance, improving national security, and reforming the country’s laws.
The Legislative Agenda also prioritizes economic growth and development, social sector reform, and environmental sustainability. Also, it emphasizes the importance of inclusion and open parliament, ensuring citizen engagement and participatory governance. The agenda aims to shape Nigeria’s foreign policy and global relations.
The Speaker unveiled this ambitious plan on November 14, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the House’s efforts to drive positive change in Nigeria. By introducing this Legislative Agenda, the House has shown its dedication to addressing the country’s challenges and promoting a brighter future for its citizens.
On law-making, as of June 13, 2024, the House introduced an unprecedented 1,351 bills on its floor, the highest number ever introduced in the first session of the House since 1999. Notably, 1,339 of these bills (99%) were sponsored by members of the House, while only 12 bills (1%) were introduced by the Executive arm.
The statistics further reveal that 112 bills were referred to various Standing Committees for legislative action, resulting in the passage of 89 bills. Of these, 80 were sponsored by House members, while 9 were Executive Bills. Currently, there are 1,068 bills awaiting Second Reading and 81 bills awaiting consideration by the House. Remarkably, only one bill was rejected in the past year.
To initiate the constitution amendment process, the Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu commenced work in February 2024, less than nine months into the 10th House’s tenure. The committee organized citizens engagement sessions, collated inputs from Nigerians, and established a timeline of activities, setting a deadline of December 2025 for concrete outcomes.
Regarding motions and resolutions, which fall under representation, the House achieved significant progress. The House also received a total of 679 motions in one year, with 629 (93%) referred to different Standing Committees and 43 referred to Ad Hoc Committees. Only 7 motions were rejected.
The 10th House led by Abbas has made significant strides in addressing various critical areas through its motions and legislative actions. An analysis of the motions reveals that they align with the House’s eight thematic areas, including strengthening good governance, improving national security, and promoting economic growth and development.
Notably, the House received 306 petitions from citizens and considered 30 of them, with reports on 15 petitions laid on the floor and 5 resolved. This demonstrates the House’s commitment to serving as an ombudsman to Nigerians.
The 10th House has also ensured that Nigerians have a voice in the decision-making process. Examples include town hall meetings to develop the Legislative Agenda, address electoral process concerns, and discuss state policing, security challenges, and good governance. Additionally, the House organized a retreat on the Petroleum Industry Act and tax reform modernization, as well as the House Open Week, where the one-year scorecard was unveiled.
A significant achievement was the passage of the Appropriation Bill, crucial for government activities. To strengthen the budget process, the House held a budget townhall meeting, promoting transparency and integrity in budgeting and inclusive decision-making.
It was a milestone when the Committee on Appropriations held an extensive engagements with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the 2024 Appropriation Bill, leading to its successful passage in December 2023. The Committee’s innovative approaches to handling the budget process have been instrumental in the House’s achievements.
To ensure accountability, the House instituted robust oversight mechanisms, including briefings from MDAs, oversight visits, public and investigative hearings, and interactive meetings. Members of the House have also provided individual interventions through constituency outreach and empowerment programs to alleviate the suffering of their constituents.
Similarly, the House held sectoral debates, receiving briefings from security chiefs, ministers, and key officials, including the CBN Governor and FIRS Chairman. In a historic first, the House introduced sign language interpretation in the chamber, ensuring inclusivity for those with hearing impairments.
The Speaker established the Programmes Coordinating Unit, enhancing engagement with civil societies. These initiatives demonstrate the 10th House’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
In a historic move, the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives held a World Press Conference on February 8, 2024, to address pressing national issues. This unprecedented event marked a significant milestone in the House’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
The House has successfully established a harmonious working relationship with the other arms of government, particularly the Executive, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. This cooperation has brought about political stability, ultimately benefiting the citizens.
Despite facing challenges such as high turnover rates, funding constraints, and elevated public expectations, the 10th House remains committed to excellence.
Abbas’Journey
On June 13, 2023, Abbas Tajudeen made history by securing an unprecedented 353 votes to become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of trust, pledging to honor the trust placed on him and surpass the achievements of the previous House.
Tajudeen’s commitment to trust and excellence is a breath of fresh air, aiming to overcome the historical trust deficit that has plagued the federal legislature. His leadership promises a new era of transparency and accountability.
With a rich legislative experience spanning over a decade, Tajudeen has consistently given assurance of his dedication to public service. First elected in 2011, he has been re-elected three times, showcasing his constituents’ trust in him.
While some may have questioned his visibility in the last Assembly, Tajudeen’s sponsorship of the highest number of bills speaks to his commitment to legislative work.
His leadership team, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business Francis Waive, may not be veterans, but they bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to their roles.
Together, they form a dynamic team poised to drive positive change in the 10th House. Tajudeen’s presidency offers a promising start, and his commitment to trust, excellence, and transparency sets the tone for a productive and impactful legislative session.
