Abbas: We’ll enforce full legislative powers on recalcitrant MDAs

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the green chamber will enforce full legislative powers on “recalcitrant” ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government.

Abbas spoke on Thursday while inaugurating the standing committees of the lower legislative chamber.

The speaker said while the parliament will work with the executive in providing good governance for Nigerians, it will not, however, hesitate to turn the heat on agencies that fail to live up to expectations.

“The committee system, aptly described as little legislatures by Woodrow Wilson, plays a crucial role in legislative bodies worldwide,” Abbas said.

“Indeed, it serves as the fulcrum of the legislature due to its central role in performing the bulk of legislative responsibilities and tasks.

“This system involves dividing the legislature into smaller component units or working groups, which aims to enhance efficiency, improve productivity, facilitate legislative oversight of other branches of government, promote citizens’ participation in legislation, and enable detailed scrutiny of legislative instruments such as bills and motions.

“May I solicit the cooperation of the executive arm in this regard. Separation of powers does not mean separation of government.

“We are the same government with the sole purpose of providing services to the good people of this nation. We remain committed to a harmonious working relationship with the executive to deliver on the mandate of the people. However, we will not fail to bring full legislative powers to bear on recalcitrant MDAs.”

Abbas asked the chairpersons of the committees to use their oversight constitutional powers to promote good governance and ensure all MDAs comply with the laws of the land.

The speaker also said the house of representatives, under his watch, will involve the citizens at all levels by holding regular public hearings, oversight functions, and investigative hearings as well as open other channels of engaging with the people.