PROTOCOL.
It is with great pleasure and humility that I welcome your
Excellencies and Distinguished dignitaries to this important occasion.
An occasion as this is undoubtedly rare for the fact that the Head of the Government of the Federation who doubles as the Head of the Executive and the heads of the two chambers of the National Assembly are in attendance of a programme where issues that
bother on parliamentary initiatives and processes are being brought to the front burner ,while account of the parliamentarians giant strides are being showcased.
Today’ s occasion clearly attests to the robust nature of
Executive/Legislative complementarity that is brought to bear on Democratic practices in Africa, where Nigeria is taking the lead, for,if the symbiotic relationship between this very important arms of government, such as being witnessed here today ,is strengthened, it portends a leeway for democracy and impactful good governance to thrive. This however does not preclude the two arms having to occasionally diverge, even seriously on issues
that have direct bearing on the lives of constituents.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, we are here today for the second in the series of parliamentarian public lectures, being organised by the National Assembly to serve as a platform where members of the Parliament could tell their stories, programme accomplishments and challenges. Today’s
lecture like the maiden one is an avenue of Legislative narration and a veritable platform connecting both the elected representatives and the people, beyond the confines of the two hallowed Chambers. While the Maiden edition was delivered by no other person but the chairman of the 9th National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawan, Ph.D ,GCON in 2021,Today’s
occasion being the second edition would be delivered by the Rt.Hon speaker, Mr Femi Akeem Gbajabiamila, who no doubt remains one of the most experienced parliamentarians in West Africa sub region. No doubt can narrate the road leading to this day and contract fulfilment of the 9th House of representatives than the Rt. Hon Speaker.
It is to this end therefore that i enjoin Nigerians and indeed friends of Nigeria to keep faith with this project. There is a greater expectation that today’s lecture will not only properly define concepts, articulate positions and agree on areas of accord while charting ways to resolve areas of discord ,it will further make Legislative processes even clearer to Nigerians.
Before I end this address therefore, may i urge Distinguished audience to please be free to ventilate your opinions, constructive criticism and even concerns as they relate to Legislative issues.
Finally, let me respectfully express our appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour ,the president and commander in chief of the armed forces, Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR ,the Chairman of the occasion, Mallam Nasir Elrufai and indeed other eminent Distinguished Nigerians for responding to this occasion.
The support and guidance by the Senate president and the Rt. Speaker is greatly appreciated.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen ,against this backdrop, i on behalf of the leadership of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ,invite you to listen attentively, appreciate the insights that will be shared with us, note your concerns and engage the process.
You are most welcome.
Thank you.
Prof Abubakar Sulaiman
DG NILDS
