‘House to Embark On Confidence Building’

Onwuka Nzeshi

30 June 2011

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has declared the resolve of the 7th assembly of the legislature to redeem its image and win back the confidence of Nigerians.

“Our decision to reduce the costs of governance and ensure transparency and accountability in public policy will help us to win back the confidence of the people in the House of Representatives as the defender of our democracy,” he said when he led the debate on the Legislative Agenda on the floor of the House Wednesday.

Ihedioha listed six key factors captured in the agenda that would guide the business and conduct of the House in its bid to improve its image and standing in the eyes of the public. These include openness, transparency and probity in the conduct of public policy; internal democracy in the running of the House; international best practices; prudent financial management; review of the constitution and relevant laws to ensure good governance; and productive interface with civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the Nigeria project.

Describing the legislative agenda as “a refreshing mission and vision which is set to open a new vista of hope and possibilities in our national efforts at democratic consolidation,” Hon. Ihedioha hailed the “people – centredness” of the policy document which “seeks to empower and mobilise the citizenry for national development.”

Meanwhile, he also urged the Federal Government to intervene in the strike action being planned by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).

In a unanimous resolution, the lawmakers said that the 24- hour warning strike being contemplated by employees of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) would not be in the best interest of the country.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Tadjudeen Yususf (PDP/Kogi) wherein he prayed the lower chamber of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to avert a looming nationwide blackout that a strike action by the electricity workers will foist on the country.

The deputy speaker also stated that the agenda has the potential of “reviving and diversifying the economy, generating employment, strengthening our national security, curbing corruption, tackling the energy crisis and arresting the general infrastructural decay that confront the nation,” he said.

AllAfrica – All the Time