The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to oversight, describing it as the bedrock of democratic governance.
In a statement on Monday, issued by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Jibrin made the remark while speaking at the 7th annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi roundtable and the 75th posthumous birthday of the late former governor of Oyo State. The event was held at the University of Ibadan.
According to Jibrin, oversight ensures accountability, transparency, and the essential checks and balances that promote the effective use of public funds.
The roundtable, organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan, had the topic:
“Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
“The role of legislative oversight in a democratic society cannot be overemphasised. It is the bedrock of democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the essential checks and balances that enhance the effective use of public funds,” he said.
Jibrin, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stated that as the government’s watchdog, the legislature plays a crucial role in holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring that the interests of the people are served.
“Through oversight functions, the legislature has the power to investigate government activities, evaluate policies, and monitor the implementation of programmes and activities funded by appropriated public funds.
“As we reflect on the critical issues of national importance, as well as the challenges and prospects of legislative oversight in Nigeria, let me assure Nigerians that the 10th Assembly is committed to performing its duties. We also invite constructive critique of our activities at all times,” Senator Jibrin said in the statement.
He commended the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation for maintaining the legacy, principles, and philosophy of the late Oyo governor through the annual roundtable. He added that the selection of the topic “Legislative Oversight: Its Challenges and Prospects” was timely, as it would allow Nigerians to reflect on the role of the legislature in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Responding to questions from discussants at the roundtable, Jibrin explained the rationale behind naming the National Assembly Library after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“On the issue of naming the National Assembly Library, we decided to do so because it is the first time in history that a former senator has been elected to lead this country.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a senator, and his wife was also a senator. We felt these two milestones should be appreciated, and so, we decided to name the library after our dear President because of his history as a former senator,” he said.
On refineries, Jibrin said the National Assembly had established several committees to oversee them and ensure that appropriated funds are spent appropriately.
“As we speak, the Port Harcourt Refinery has started operation, and the Warri Refinery will soon begin operation. Those who doubt this can visit the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify the truth for themselves.
“Dangote Refinery is also a concern for us. We took the time to visit the refinery even before it started operations. We toured the facility and saw everything. We are proud that a Nigerian has embarked on such a massive project,” he said.
Describing the power issue as a work in progress, Jibrin stated that the current government had developed strategies to address the country’s power supply challenges and stimulate the economy.
“This has been an issue plaguing the country for quite some time. We’ve been considering how to provide an adequate power supply. Previous governments have done their best, and the current government has developed strategies to ensure an adequate power supply. It’s a work in progress, and the government has done everything within its power to make it happen,” he said.
