Dogara Renews NASS Support For Buhari’s Anti Corruption War

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Saturday, April 9th, 2016

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

The 8th session of the House of Representatives is committed to supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s war againt corruption, Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, has said.

The Speaker confirmed this Saturday at the fourth convocation ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.

Speaking on the topic: “Legislative Oversight as a Critical Component of Good Governance,” Dogara, acknowledged, ” the oversight activities of the legislature faces enormous challenges and setbacks that should be overcome, if it is to lead to good governance that we are all looking for.”

“The 8th House of Representatives committed itself to fighting corruption and abuse of office in its Legislative Agenda and is supporting the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, in its effort to eradicate corruption in Nigeria,” the Speaker said.

Hon. Dogara who identified some of the challenges being faced by legislature in Nigeria to include; lack of cooperation by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) in the executive branch; public misconception on the mandate, role and activities of the legislature; also said inadequate funding of oversight activities such that in highly technical areas of oversight, there might not be enough resources to engage the kind of technical assistance required to conduct a proper oversight, all constitute some of the major challenges.

Like any human institution, the Speaker admitted that there might be a few bad eggs that may not live up to their oath of office and legislative duties, but the leadership is dedicated to ensuring that any proven case of misdemeanour by any member is appropriately dealt with.

He added that there was no doubt that good governance is essential for the achievement of social, political and economic progress in society, indicating that it was the means through which the State can effectively address the allocation and management of resources to enable it respond to the collective good of society without discrimination.

Nigeria, according to Dogara, as a fledgling democracy with a chequered history of military rule is yet to attain its full potential in the practice of good governance through legislative oversight.

However, he maintained that it was fair to say that the National Assembly has been a dependable organ of government willing and able to use its Constitutional powers of oversight for the common good.

“Each successive Assembly has made efforts in improving on the effectiveness of its legislative oversight function to promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria”, the number four man pointed out.

The Achievers University was established in 2007 by Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.

Five hundred and forty seven students graduated in the 2014/2015 academic programmes of the two colleges at Bachelor of Science degree level.