Paragraph 1: A Call for Broader Advocacy on Women’s Political Inclusion
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged proponents of dedicated parliamentary seats for women to expand their campaign beyond the national legislature and engage state assemblies throughout the country. Recognizing the constitutional requirement of two-thirds approval from state legislatures for such a measure to succeed, Abbas underscored the critical role these assemblies play in achieving greater female representation in politics. He emphasized that even if the National Assembly passes legislation creating special seats for women, it will be rendered ineffective without the support of a significant majority of state assemblies. This call to action came during a citizens’ roundtable held in Zaria, Kaduna State, designed to facilitate dialogue between the House leadership and the public on important governance issues.
Paragraph 2: The Significance of Citizen Engagement in Governance
Abbas, represented at the event by Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the Northern Caucus in the House, highlighted the roundtable’s purpose as a platform to gauge public sentiment on crucial matters. He stressed the fundamental importance of citizen input in shaping effective legislation, policies, and national decisions. The speaker emphasized the 10th House’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and symbiotic relationship with the citizenry, ensuring that governance remains inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people they represent. He underscored the belief that robust civic engagement is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
Paragraph 3: Bridging the Gap Between Representatives and the Represented
The speaker emphasized that the roundtable reflects the 10th House’s determination to bridge the gap between representatives and the represented. Having identified the challenges faced by previous assemblies in effectively incorporating public feedback, the current House prioritized direct engagement with citizens. Abbas reiterated his commitment to not only speaking for the people but also actively listening to their concerns, suggestions, and ambitions. He framed the roundtable as a valuable opportunity for citizens to contribute meaningfully to the legislative agenda and for the House to share its accomplishments and activities.
Paragraph 4: Accountability and Gratitude to Constituents
Speaker Abbas also used the occasion to express gratitude to his constituents in Zaria Federal Constituency for their continued trust and support over his 14-year tenure in the House. He attributed his current position as Speaker to the grace of God and the confidence placed in him by the people he serves. The roundtable provided a platform for Abbas to both thank his constituents and provide an update on his work and achievements over the past two years, some of which were scheduled for commissioning during a subsequent meeting.
Paragraph 5: Addressing Educational Challenges in Northern Nigeria
The roundtable also addressed critical issues facing the northern region, particularly in the education sector. Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, represented by Prof. Ali Idris, expressed concern over the lagging educational progress in the north, highlighting the alarming number of out-of-school children. She urged state governors to collaborate with the Federal Government to tackle this challenge and reduce the high number of children not receiving formal education. Prof. Idris attributed the lower performance of northern students in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination to the use of Hausa language in early primary education, suggesting a shift to English as the medium of instruction from Primary One to Three to strengthen English language proficiency.
Paragraph 6: Reinforcing Democratic Values and Citizen Participation
The roundtable fostered a diverse range of perspectives and contributions. Mr. Edosa Eviarhe, Programmes Manager of Global Rights, underscored the importance of representative governance and citizen participation in building strong democracies. The event also saw the participation of representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Power, further enriching the dialogue. Overall, the roundtable served as a vital forum for promoting civic engagement, encouraging dialogue between the government and its citizens, and addressing critical issues facing northern Nigeria, particularly in education. The event demonstrated the 10th House’s commitment to a more inclusive and responsive approach to governance, grounded in the voices and aspirations of the people.
