By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The House of Representatives has announced its intention to commence a monthly sectoral engagement.
This, according to its Spokesperson, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is in line with one of the general principles of the legislative agenda of the 9th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Honourable Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, which is to foster engagement and collaboration with civic groups and constituents with the strategic goal of enhancing citizen participation in the legislative process as well as a firm commitment to transparency, accountability and participatory democracy.
Speaking to our correspondent at the National Assembly Complex, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (Spokesperson of the House) said: “The House will undertake monthly engagements the stakeholders of all socio-economic sectors as a way to foster citizen participation in the legislative process and to enable the House feel the socio-economic pulse of the nation.
“The social and economic wellbeing of Nigeria remains a priority for the 9th House and as the People’s Parliament, we shall relentlessly strive to ensure that at all times, our legislative activities reflect the true wishes of the people because ‘Nation Building’ is indeed ‘A Joint Task’.
“The 9th House Sectoral Roundtable Sessions (9th House SRS) presented through the Media and Public Affairs Committee will routinely bring to the dialogue table, all stakeholders of various socio-economic sectors (including citizens, policy experts, private organizations, ministries, departments and agencies of the Executive, civil society organizations and relevant legislative committees) to critically examine the real-life performance of these sectors with the aim of identifying and addressing issues therein through legislative amendments, motions, policy recommendations and other interventions.
“The 9th House SRS, conducted digitally in line with Covid-19 safety protocols, shall commence with a focus on the Health Sector in October, 2020, and shall thereafter continue on a monthly basis.”
