The Yiaga Africa Centre for Legislative Engagement has welcomed the decision of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, to resume plenary after a one-month recess following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Executive Director Samson Itodo, said in a press statement that the resumption of legislative work will no doubt strengthen Nigeria’s response to the pandemic, deepen accountability and transparency and protect citizens’ socio-economic and political rights.
While calling for urgent action by all arms of government to prevent further transmission of the virus, the Center recommended pathways for an improved legislative response to COVID-19; calling on the NASS to amend its rules to incorporate videoconferencing and teleconferencing to facilitate remote legislative work like committee meetings, public hearings, public petitions etc. to ensure legislative work is not stalled due to social distancing or lockdowns as a result of the pandemic.
“Legislators and staff of the NASS should be trained on the use of technology in the conduct of legislative business to improve efficiency and effectiveness.” The statement read.
Yiaga Africa also asked that the National Assembly should mandate its committees to subject all executive actions taken during the recess to legislative review especially enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations, distribution of palliatives to indigent Nigerians, management of COVID-19 funding and coordination and containment of the health crisis. While Increasing appropriation for Health.
Speaking further, the executive Director asked that Legislative framework for pandemic management in Nigeria be developed, and the house should investigate and respond to reports of human rights violations and gender-based violence.
According to him, “The lifeline of the COVID-19 will be determined principally by the responsiveness, accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness of the government’s response. This is the moment for democratic institutions like the National Assembly to demonstrate they exist for the collective interest of the people.”
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