10th House working with executive on pro-people bills, says Agbese

The 10th National Assembly is actively fostering synergy with the executive branch to advance legislation beneficial to Nigerians, stated Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives. Agbese, also a lawmaker from Benue State, highlighted that the House has already initiated and considered numerous people-oriented legislative measures.

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The idea is that contrary to the insinuation being created in some quarters that we pass every bill and motion from the executive, I want to clear the air that we are working ahead of the executive on bills that have positive impact on the generality of people.

He pointed to the proposed establishment of state police as a prime example, asserting that the initiative originated within the National Assembly and had been under deliberation. Agbese clarified that the executive's subsequent introduction of its own state police bill should not be misconstrued as the parliament being a mere rubber-stamp. Instead, he views it as an opportunity for both government branches to harmonize their positions and develop a comprehensive proposal before sending it to state Houses of Assembly.

"The idea is that contrary to the insinuation being created in some quarters that we pass every bill and motion from the executive, I want to clear the air that we are working ahead of the executive on bills that have positive impact on the generality of people," Agbese said. He reiterated that the state police initiative is solely that of the parliament, and the executive's involvement ensures a refined document before it reaches the state level, preventing wasted taxpayer resources.

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We have been on the state police bills for sometimes now. The initiative remains solely that of the parliament. What the executive have done so far by introducing an executive bill is to come in at the right time for both arms of government to have a refined document at the centre before sending the same proposal to the State Houses of Assembly. It is just to ensure that we don’t waste taxpayers’ resources unnecessarily by going back and forth.

Furthermore, Agbese reported that resolutions reached between the House and security chiefs during sectoral debates are beginning to yield positive outcomes in the fight against insecurity. He cited recent rescue operations for kidnapped victims in Oyo, Kwara, and other states as evidence of progress. "We are beginning to record positive gains despite the numerous challenges that we are being faced with as a country," he remarked, commending the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs for a more coordinated approach to security operations.

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We are beginning to record positive gains despite the numerous challenges that we are being faced with as a country.