‘It’ll enhance proactive oversight’ — group hails Abbas for creating more committees

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency (CESJET) has commended Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, for creating new standing committees.

In a statement issued on Monday, Isaac Ikpa, executive secretary of CESJET, said the new committees would ensure “proactive oversight” of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Ikpa specifically said one of the new committees — will monitor the distribution of federal government interventions across the 36 states and the 774 LGAs.

“Under Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, the Green Chamber prides itself as a people-oriented legislature,” the statement reads.

“And it will be a disservice not to acknowledge that the House has so far lived up to the billing. Among many other reforms. We have been thrilled with the expansion of the standing committees.

“This has brought about proactive oversight, efficiency, accountability and transparency. The era of overloaded projects is now in the past. 

“The Centre notes with great pride the creation of a committee on state and local government affairs.

“This is commendable as it monitors the distribution of Federal Government interventions across the states of the federation and the 774 local governments.

“We remember the ugly COVID-19 palliatives distribution episode and how some government officials shortchanged Nigerians.

“With some incredible policies already being introduced by President Tinubu, this committee will serve as the eyes of the common man.

“On this note, we want to applaud the Speaker for this brave initiative. CESJET also assures him of its support in more groundbreaking endeavours in the future”.

In July, Abbas established new standing committees, increasing the number to over 133 from the 109 inherited from the previous assembly.

Before the speaker unveiled the committees, some groups had objected to the expansion of the number of committees.

Speaking recently, Abbas said the new standing committees were created for effective oversight functions.