We are dedicated to the priorities of the people, nation

Hold your elected representatives to account – House Leader

By George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has reiterated that the current House is dedicated to the priorities of Nigerians and the nation, saying that they have remained unwavering in their commitment to aligning their legislative efforts with the dynamic aspirations of the people they serve.

Rt Hon Tajudeen stated this during the ‘Regional Citizens’ Roundtable with the leadership of House of Reps, held yesterday in Owerri, Imo State capital.

This even as Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, has urged Nigerians to always engage with their elected representatives both at the national and state levels.

The Speaker said the interactive meetings align with the 10th House of Representatives’ mid-term report, via which they reflected on the progress made and reaffirmed their dedication to the priorities of the people and the nation at large.

According to him, “For the past two years of the 10th House, citizen engagement has been meticulously integrated as one of the pillars of our 8-point Legislative Agenda. Through a series of substantive consultations, we have sought public perspectives on key legislative priorities and pressing national issues. From focused discussions on appropriation and state policing to deliberations on national security, state police, economic resilience, political inclusion, and equitable gender representation, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to aligning our legislative efforts with the dynamic aspirations of the people we serve.”

He added, “We acknowledge that the voices of the citizenry are of paramount significance, serving as the solemn foundation upon which impactful legislation, transformative policies, and consequential decisions are made and enacted. Our steadfast commitment to a flourishing democracy is deeply entrenched in the principle of active and meaningful civic engagement because we are convinced that a forum such as this, characterised by unfettered dialogue, the intellectual exchange of ideas, and incisive constructive critique, is vital in equipping the leadership of our nation to adeptly handle the complexities of governance, steering the state towards sustained progress and collective prosperity. This Roundtable, therefore, embodies our resolute dedication to cultivating a robust and symbiotic relationship between the House and the citizenry. It is proof of our determination to ensure that governance remains inclusive, reflective, and attuned to the aspirations of those whose mandate we are privileged to uphold.”

Rt Hon Tajudeen disclosed that the Imo event is the last in the three-phase series, which he said started in Abuja on June 11, 2025, for the 36 states’ representatives, and June 27 in Zaria for the 19 states of the Northern zone.

“It is our resolve to engage directly with the citizenry, listening attentively to their concerns, suggestions, and aspirations. As reiterated during the maiden ‘State of the House’ on December 20, 2024, we are not only elected to speak for the people but must also speak with them and amplify their voices. This gathering, therefore, validates our pledge to nurture collaboration, inviting participants to share incisive perspectives, propose viable solutions, and enrich our legislative agenda with their invaluable contributions. It is also an opportunity for us to share with them what we have done as their representatives both within and outside of the chamber,” he submitted.

Similarly, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, the Leader of the House who chaired the interactive meeting, has urged Nigerians to engage with their elected representatives both at the national and state levels, saying that it is their right to demand accountability from them.

He pointed out that the primary functions of the legislator are law-making, appropriation, and to ask how the money is being spent.

“Our primary function as legislators is law-making, appropriation of money, and oversight functions on how the monies appropriated were spent. So, it is your duty to ask your elected representatives, whether at the national or state levels. Today, the state governments and local government councils have more money from the federal allocations under this Tinubu administration since the removal of oil subsidy. You ask questions about what they have done with the money.

He added, “Every House member is supposed to have a functional constituency office where they are supposed to engage with their constituents. So, it is your right to demand accountability from your elected local government council chairmen, the state legislators, and the governors. We have granted the local councils financial autonomy, but the state governors have not allowed it to work. We support the establishment of state police,” he said.

Earlier, most of the participants drawn from the 16 states in southern Nigeria had severely criticised the federal legislators for allegedly failing to address the multifaceted problems militating against the nation.