In a meeting where European ambassadors lauded Speaker Abbas for his initiatives in pro-women legislation and beyond, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has expressed his commitment to spearheading reforms in Nigeria through the National Assembly. These reforms encompass electoral enhancements, empowerment of women, and their increased inclusion in political and governance spheres.
In a statement Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker Musa Abdullahi Krishi said Speaker Abbas underscored the significance of instituting a roadmap for the prompt passage of the ongoing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing the imperative of timely completion. He conveyed this stance during a reception of ambassadors from 19 European Union countries at his office in Abuja on Thursday, led by Ambassador Samuela Isopi, the Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS. The gathering included several House members, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambuwal, and senior aides to the Speaker.
In his address, Speaker Abbas delineated the distinctiveness of the current approach to the Constitution review, recognizing past shortcomings in timing and its repercussions on the quality and pace of legislative processes. He emphasized the necessity of commencing earlier and adopting a systematic roadmap to ensure timely completion. Notably, Speaker Abbas revealed that the Constitution review committee has been allotted 24 months to finalize its tasks, with meticulous planning to facilitate efficient coordination between the National Assembly and state legislative assemblies.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Nigerian women in governance, Speaker Abbas reiterated the House’s commitment to addressing gender disparities, particularly in political representation. He highlighted strategies to ensure the acceptance and prioritization of bills pertaining to women’s empowerment within the legislative framework, including active engagement and lobbying efforts led by relevant House committees.
Furthermore, Speaker Abbas announced plans to dispatch a delegation to study innovative models for women’s participation in governance adopted by countries like Uganda and Rwanda. Expressing gratitude for the EU’s support, he underscored the importance of international parliamentary friendship groups in fostering mutual understanding and facilitating economic development.
In reciprocation, members of the European delegation commended Speaker Abbas for his initiatives and applauded the completion of the National Assembly’s library, modeled after the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Isopi reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to democracy and highlighted the strategic importance of collaboration between Nigeria and the EU in fostering regional stability, peace, and development.
In conclusion, the meeting served as a testament to the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to advancing democratic principles and socioeconomic progress.
