By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in ensuring security agencies adhere to the rule of law and uphold human rights.
Speaking at a two-day workshop in Abuja, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, underscored the legislature’s responsibility in monitoring security institutions to ensure they effectively safeguard citizens.
He stressed that maintaining a balance between security operations and accountability is essential for fostering public trust in government institutions. Given the technical nature of the security sector, he noted that lawmakers must be equipped with the necessary knowledge to scrutinize security activities and align them with national objectives.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Abbas called on lawmakers to leverage their legislative powers to support security agencies in overcoming these issues. He encouraged his colleagues to familiarize themselves with the newly developed legislative oversight manual, which offers guidance on navigating the complexities of security governance.
Additionally, the Speaker urged continuous evaluation of existing oversight mechanisms, advocating for both routine assessments and targeted investigations into security operations to identify and rectify inefficiencies or abuses.
He commended the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for its efforts in strengthening the National Assembly’s institutional capacity and assured that the legislature remains committed to maximizing these resources for national benefit.
