The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, lawmaker representing Oluyole federal constituency, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe and other stakeholders on Thursday, called for ethical legislative practices that align with international standards.
They made the call in Abuja at one-day Capacity Building Conference On “Overview Of Legislative Ethics And Privileges For Optimal Performance.
The conference was organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Chaired by Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.
The Speaker, said the 10th National Assembly places premium on ethics, describing it as a critical component for fostering accountability in our legislative agenda.
He said the theme of the conference is also pertinent and is coming at a time when stakeholders have continued to call for increased accountability in governance. The added dimension of privileges is also of great significance
The Speaker said the National Assembly will continue to provide all necessary support to the Ethics and Privileges committee for effective discharge of their responsibilities.
The Speaker commended the timeliness of this capacity building conference, adding that the significance of the conference cannot be overemphasised.
“Matters relating to ethics and privileges are fundamental to effective legislative governance the world over. This is not just because of the pivotal roles of ethics in human organisations, but also because of the specific roles assigned to the committee across legislatures”.
The House committee on Ethics and Privileges is responsible for investigating and adjudicating any alleged violations of the House rules or any related statutes by House Members, officers, or employees. Other important roles of the committee include consultation, education, mediation, and/or review of policies and practices in relation to the ethical dimensions of the legislature.
He noted that such institutional checks are critical for engendering transparency, accountability and control in the legislature, holistically defined beyond the legislators to include legislative staff and aides.
Tajudeen Abass also said the privileges committee exists mainly to prevent the House from falling into pitfalls.
“The main responsibility of the privileges committee is to consider issues or questions pertaining to the privileges of legislators in the discharge of their responsibilities, including any breach of such privileges as may be referred to the committee by the House or the Speaker”.
In her welcome remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe noted that the conference was significant because it focused on the very foundation of participants’ work as lawmakers – ethics, accountability, and transparency.
She thanked NILDS, noting that it continues to provide a vital platform for capacity building and research, ensuring that our legislative practices remain progressive and effective.
Akande-Sadipe said ethics is the cornerstone of good governance, and it directly impacts the effectiveness of the laws crafted, the oversight functions lawmakers provide, and the representation they give to the people of Nigeria.
“We are gathered here not just to discuss the mechanics of ethics and codes of conduct, but to deeply reflect on how we, as legislators, can raise the standards of governance by embedding ethical practices into every facet of our work”, she said.
“As lawmakers, we have a constitutional duty to be the embodiment of integrity, fairness, and responsibility.
Ethical behavior sets the tone for a professional and respectful environment, where each action is guided by the collective interest of the nation, ensuring that our work reflects the highest standards of governance”.
She said the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, under her leadership is at the forefront of promoting international best practices in legislative activities.
“It is our responsibility to set the standards and lead by example, ensuring that ethical reorientation, transparency, and accountability are woven into the fabric of our legislative processes”.
The Director-General, NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, reminded participants of the critical role that ethics plays in the functioning of democratic institutions.
He said, ethics and privileges form the bedrock of a well-functioning legislature, adding that they safeguard the dignity and integrity of the legislative institution and promote public trust, transparency, and accountability.
“In a democracy such as ours, as elsewhere, the legislature is vested with the sacred duty of representing the people, making laws, and holding the executive to account. For this mandate to be effectively carried out, adherence to ethical principles and standards is indispensable”, he said.
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