By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has reiterated that the National Assembly (NASS) takes criticism in good faith as long as it adds value to the process of making laws.
He repeated the point on Wednesday, a week after saying the NASS has no predetermined position on plans to amend the 1999 Constitution fueled by public agitation for a more equitable Nigerian structure.
In his latest take, Lawan said the federal lawmakers welcome constructive criticisms and valuable contributions that enhance legislation for good governance.
He spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria, a book published by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Lawan expressed delight at the presence at the occasion of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and thanked him and other traditional rulers for their understanding and total support, and commitment to the NASS.
His words: “Every one of our functions, [to which] you are invited, you and the sultan, you [are] always be there. This is what we expect from Nigerians.
“We want to have valuable contributions that will make the National Assembly legislate better for the governance of this country.
“We also want to open up the opportunity for Nigerians and all stakeholders really, to have the opportunity and the basis for informed criticisms on what we do because that benefits us.
“It makes us do better and … I believe that you are setting a very good example of what we expect citizens to do.”
Lawan insisted that the NASS “is the National Assembly of Nigerians. We are only there to represent Nigerians.
“Anytime we do things that Nigerians are not happy with, show us the right thing to do. We are here to take our mistakes and correct everything that we feel are justified.
“And of course, legislation is not for members of the National Assembly to do alone. Legislation is for stakeholders, key stakeholders particularly, to contribute.”
Support for government measures
He pledged that the NASS will continue to review all emergency measures, including legislations, to determine their effectiveness against coronavirus and prepare the government for future emergencies.
“We will equally maintain oversight of government interventions to ensure comprehensive reporting on how funds and other resources were utilised by relevant government agencies during the pandemic.”
He said the NASS is also in regular contact with these agencies to ensure due diligence in the procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.
Lawan commended the NILDS governing council for approving the project and making suggestions that enriched the book.
He also applauded NILDS Director General Abubakar Sulaiman and his staff for repositioning and strengthening the Institute to deliver on its mandate of providing technical and expert advice to the NASS and other institutions of democracy.
He urged the NILDS to do more specialised research providing technical inputs and capacity building for legislators and staff at all levels of government nationwide.
On Constitution amendment
Lawan had last week explained that the public hearing on the Constitution amendment would enable Nigerians to make submissions on any issue, which the NASS would prioritise for the welfare and security of citizens.
“This is a very important exercise for our country,” he stressed, and urged all Nigerians to present any matter they think the Senate Constitution Committee should address.
“Go to the centre nearest to you. We are open, we are plain, we don’t have any preconceived or predetermined position on anything.
“The numerous issues that Nigerians feel should to be addressed to make Nigeria better, to make citizens secured, and enhance the welfare of our people are topmost in our consideration.
“Because of this so important assignment, by this very important Committee of the Senate, the Senate will suspend plenary throughout next week.
“This is to enable not only the committee members, but the rest of us who are not even members of the Constitution Review Committee, to participate in the exercise.
“Once again, we wish our committee on the review of the constitution the best of outing, and Nigerians should take every possible opportunity to be there to present whatever they feel strongly about on how this country could be better.
“[And] we are welcoming every suggestion and issue.”
