Gbajabiamila, Delta Assembly speaker back state police, power devolution

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, and Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, have endorsed ongoing constitutional reforms, particularly the establishment of state police and the devolution of powers. They believe these changes are crucial for strengthening Nigeria's security framework and deepening federalism. Both leaders spoke at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, where they also stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and cooperation among the executive, legislature, and citizens in advancing democratic governance.

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An Open Week must be more than the ceremonial opening of the gates of parliament. It should be an invitation to scrutiny, dialogue and partnership.

Gbajabiamila stated that the National Assembly's Open Week should be more than a symbolic event. He insisted it must offer Nigerians a real chance to examine legislative activities, interact with lawmakers, and hold public institutions accountable. "An Open Week must be more than the ceremonial opening of the gates of parliament. It should be an invitation to scrutiny, dialogue and partnership," he said. He also called for increased citizen involvement in lawmaking, ensuring that the perspectives of young people, women, persons with disabilities, civil society, and the private sector are represented in national priorities.

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Transparency turns constitutional authority into public trust. Inclusion ensures that the voices of our diverse people are not only heard but reflected in national priorities, while reform keeps our institutions responsive to changing realities and capable of delivering better outcomes.

Reflecting on his experience as Speaker, Gbajabiamila noted that democratic governance flourishes when the executive and legislature collaborate within constitutional limits. "While the executive and the legislature are separate arms of government, they share one ultimate mandate, which is to improve the lives of the Nigerian people," he stated. He encouraged lawmakers to prioritize measurable results over mere legislative output, urging them to focus on laws that solve real problems, budgets that lead to visible development, oversight that enhances performance, and representation that rebuilds public confidence.

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While the executive and the legislature are separate arms of government, they share one ultimate mandate, which is to improve the lives of the Nigerian people.