The 8th session of the House of Representatives is committed to supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption, Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, has said.
Dogara spoke when he delivered a speech as guest speaker at the fourth convocation ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state on Saturday, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Mr. Turaki Hassan.
Speaking on the topic: “Legislative Oversight as a Critical Component of Good Governance,” Dogara, however, acknowledged that, ” 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 is supporting the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, in its effort to eradicate corruption in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Speaker identified some of the challenges being faced by the legislature in Nigeria to include lack of cooperation by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the executive branch, and public misconception on the mandate, role and activities of the legislature. He also mentioned inadequate funding of oversight activities as a challenge, explaining 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.
Like any human institution, the Speaker said, there may be a few bad eggs that may not live up to their oath of office and legislative duties, but the leadership is 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”, the Speaker said.
Nigeria, according to Dogara, as a fledgling democracy with a checkered history of military rule is yet to attain its full potential in the practice of good governance through legislative oversight.
However, he maintained that it is fair to say 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.
“Each successive Assembly has made efforts in improving on the effectiveness of its legislative oversight function to promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria.”
The Speaker further stated that although the parliament guards its independence jealously, one cardinal principle that defines the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive is “cooperation” and not “confrontation” so as to deliver greater good for the greater number of the people.
The Achievers University was established in 2007 by Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
Five hundred and forty seven students graduated in the 2014/2015 academic programmes of the two colleges at Bachelor of Science degree level.
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