The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says citizens’ engagement is the cornerstone of any effective legislature, which is why the 10th House will ensure its entrenchment.

Mr Abbas said this at the dinner/gala night to mark the end of the House Open Week, which commenced on July 3.

Mr Abbas said the event demonstrated the vibrancy and strength of the nation’s evolving democracy and reaffirmed their commitment in the People’s House to uphold transparency and accountability.

“Transparency and regular citizens’ engagement are more crucial than ever. We strongly believe that transparency ensures that government actions are open to public scrutiny, fostering accountability.

“Regular engagements with citizens, such as we have witnessed this week, empower them to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.”

According to him, it makes them feel a sense of ownership over their governance. This mutual interaction strengthens the social contract, rebuilds trust, and revitalises democratic values.

He stated that citizens’ engagement remained the cornerstone of any effective legislature, adding that the 10th Assembly had embraced the ‘OPEN NASS’ project.

This, he said, enhanced not only oversight and lawmaking but also the transparency of the National Assembly itself.

“As we hold other branches of government accountable, we must equally welcome scrutiny from the public.

“Through the House Open Week, we are reclaiming the legislature for its rightful owners, namely, the citizens and our constituents.”

Rep. Obi Aguocha, chairman of the Committee on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, said the event had been a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to democratic ideals.

“This ‘Open Week’ aligns with the lofty legislative agenda of the 10th House to serve the Nigerian people with utmost good fate.

Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), noted the kind of support the speaker had given to the sustenance of the organisation.

Mr Kyari, who said that Mr Abbas was passionate about the industry, added that the NNPCL was grateful for the support.

He described the speaker as “exceptional and different in his ways of doing things.”

“The industry has been robust, all courtesy of the National Assembly,” Mr Kyari added.

(NAN)