The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen says the ongoing constitution review will address discrimination against women.
He said that the House was working to ensure that all women related bills that did not get favourable consideration during the 9th Assembly take front burner.
He was speaking during an interactive session with some youths participating in the 2024 training of Legislative Mentorship Initiative.
Modern technology
He also urged Nigerian youths to always pay attention to details and not be carried away by the euphoria of modern technology.
The Speaker said that it is only by paying attention to details that the youths can achieve success and become good leaders.
Speaker Abbas urged the young participants to take full advantage of the initiative by engaging actively with mentors. He stated that mentorship is a two-way street: while mentees learn from experienced legislators, mentors also gain fresh perspectives from younger generations.
He said it was unfortunate
that even though there is a huge deposit of information on the internet for the youths, many have failed to pay attention to details.
He noted that the success so far recorded under the leadership of the House is hinged on his principle of trust, accountability and transparency which has been the hallmark of the 10th House.
He said as Speaker of the 10th House with the highest number of political parties, he has been able to manage the House amicably with high sense ot cohension, respect and accomodsion for the divergent views of members.
Mr Abbas also said that the ability to maintain trust and transparency is what has been holding the House together.
‘Members of the House believe I am transparent and accountable. I respect their opinion and they respect me for that,’ Mr. Abas said.
Persons with disabilities
Speaking on plans for persons with disabilities, the Speaker said the disability law signed into law by former President Buhari is currently being implemented, assuring that the 10th House under hi
s leadership has very high regards for persons with disabilities.
He also said that his leadership was committed to ensuring an equitable representation for women in the political space of the country either through elections or appointment.
On the Legislative Mentorship initiative put in place by former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr Abbas said that his leadership will consider increasing the number of youths benefiting from the initiative.
He said part of the ways his leadership plan to improve on the initiative is to introduce an internship programme for graduates of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative.
Speaker Abbas also announced an internship programme, where 20 of the LMI alumni would be attached to critical committees of the House for exposure and real-life experience on legislative activities.
The Speaker also announced that a social media platform would be created for all graduates of LMI and the leadership of the House, which would be an opportunity for interaction and exchange of ideas.
He
recalled how the House had resolved to be involved in youth’s engagement, ‘which we have promised to do twice yearly.’
Speaking on his personal ideals, Speaker Abbas stated the first is transparency, as he explained that it was his guiding light in the 10th House, leading to trust and bond with constituents.
‘Be honest. Be truthful,’ he said.
While expressing his desire for the LMI to be bigger than it is presently, the Speaker lauded his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for the ‘noble initiative.’ He, therefore, declared an addition of 25 people to the next cohort.
Speaker Abbas noted that the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House ‘is the best of the best… the richest ever to be produced by the National Assembly,’ adding that it tallies with the Renewed Home Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The speaker said his leadership plans to engage Nigerian youths twice a year. Some of the youths expressed gratitude to the speaker and promised to implement lessons learnt at the programme.
Source: Vo
ice of Nigeria