News
OF HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS, DEMOCRACY, AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Nigeria’s legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives are expected to resume this week after over one month recess. Many people, in the past, and now have consistently criticized the practice; arguing against lawmakers proceeding on vacations amid the vagaries of challenges in the country. As plausible as this position is, the legislators and bureaucracy have different views. To them, the annual recess is in conformity with laid down procedures, which empowers the legislators to embark on annual vacation. They also argue that it is the standard practice in other countries where democracy is in place. A senior member of the National Assembly who pleaded anonymity disclosed that, “contrary to the general opinion, some of the lawmakers still carry out certain functions and activities during the period. Some others engage in various capacity building programmes with their colleagues in other parliaments.” Though these sound logical but it may be difficult to change the perceptions of the vast majority of people.
As the two chambers resume for legislative actions, they have many national issues of importance on their plate. It includes economic challenges; poverty, inflation, low productivity, unemployment, and hunger. Social problems include banditry and kidnapping, continued insurgency, criminal activities, and brigandage operations of felons. Some critics describe the 1999 constitution (as amended) as a “satanic verse” that is cloaked and clothed in deceits, deceptions, and vague lines which has continued to pauperize Nigerians, and stifled meaningful development. However, it is argued that despite these imperfections, certain things can be done, through the constitution to improve the living standards of Nigerians, and evolve national growth. Democracy can only be successful if it is used as a vehicle and process for realistic development of the citizenry, institutions, and structures within the polity.
That is where the legislature comes in. Described, rightly, as the fulcrum of democracy, the lawmakers are expected to play strategic roles towards ensuring good governance, and realistic development of the country. Given the multi-sectoral development challenges pervading the country, many people look up to the lawmakers, particularly the opposition parties. At the inauguration of the National Assembly in June 2023, the APC emerged the dominant party in the two chambers.
At the birth of the 10th House of Representatives, the opposition parties had about 179 members, which comprises the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP); Labour Party, (LP); New Nigerian Political Party, (NNPP); All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA); Social Democratic Party, (SDP); Action Democratic Congress, (ADC); and Young Peoples Party, (YPP). As the “senior partner,” the PDP had 115, LP 35, NNPP 19, APGA 5, SDP 2, ADC 2, and YPP 1 member(s). A few days later, Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi emerged as the Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority Whip respectively. The composition of the Caucus was uniquely different from the practice in past assemblies. As a clear departure from the norm, the PDP; despite being the senior party took two positions; Leader and Whip, and ensured that two of the other parties; NNPP, LP picked the other two – Deputy Leader, and Deputy Whip.
Further to this, the leadership of the opposition caucus resolved to make the Nigerian people the centrepiece of every legislative inquisition. The caucus resolved to be fair, open, and sincere on all issues bothering on good governance, national security, economic growth, and national development. To achieve these, the leadership evolved a new approach to legislation, opposition that is. In times past, the minority caucus in the House of Representatives was known for frontal attacks, consistent vilification, and outright condemnation of every policy and programmes of the party in power. They do this without recourse to the likely positive effects of these programmes on governance and the people.
The caucus emplaced a new, novel strategy which hinges on robust engagement, deliberate interventions, and result-driven interrogation of the executive arm of government, and the party in power. A ranking member of the caucus declared that, “since democracy is dynamic, there is the need to evolve new approaches that will usher good governance. Remember, even as opposition, we are also part of the government at the centre. Rather than engaging in rabidly blind and ineffective criticisms of the executive, we have chosen to constructively offer useful alternatives, where and when necessary geared towards the benefits of the people.” A first termer added that, “it is wrong to engage on needless vituperation of every idea from the ruling party in the name of opposition politics. Rather, it behoves on us to sincerely support any initiative that are favourable to all Nigerians.”
Perhaps, unknown to many people, in two years, members of the caucus have done appreciably in lawmaking; which is one of the three responsibilities of the legislature. From reports, about 100 motions have been moved by members. These motions, which are development-driven, good governance-centred, and accountabilty-focussed have emerged as necessary checks on the government, and MDAs. They include push for living wages; protection of citizens rights in the new tax regime; need for improved national security. Others are misappropriation of the COVID-19 intervention funds; non-remittances of over N2 trillion naira by the NNPC; lopsided management appointments and awards of fictitious contracts by some MDAs.
Members of the opposition caucus are credited to have pushed about 70 Bills, that have been passed by the House, or at different stages of legislative processes. These Bills, are expected to impact positively on governance, service delivery by MDAs, promotion of citizens rights, and national development. The National Youth Improvement Management Commission (Establishment); Borders Communities Development Agency; Constitution of the Federal Republic 1999 (Amendment); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration); Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria (Amendment) are some of the Bills.
In its commitment to transparency and accountability; key requirements for national development the caucus have led the advocacy for legislative actions towards verifying the activities of MDAs, as well as sustaining the fight for justice, fairness, and equity. These include inquisition into the spending of bailouts and take-off grants by some MDAs; the removal of identified clauses in the Tax Reform Bill that are detrimental to public welfare. Others are consistent calls for fuel availability, and reduction of fuel pump prices; timely submission of budget estimates by the executive; restructuring of governance; reduction of the cost for “weight and means”; pursuit of better wages for workers; and improved national security.
Sadly, the present crop of legislators in the two chambers of the National Assembly have come under severe dress-down by some people. Festooned in unpleasant garbs and colourless epithet, they are constantly poo-poohed, serially ridiculed, and thrown under the bus by some angry citizens. Perhaps, some of these innuendos may be correct. Perhaps, some of these hard-hitting views may be right. Perhaps, some of the lawmakers may be victims of generalization. Perhaps, some may be victims of collateral damage. Though some people may detest the approach of the minority caucus to legislative actions; which is devoid of showmanship, bravado, and propaganda but it will be wrong to be painted as non-performers, and appendages of the executive. Many followers of events at the NASS, believe that such jejune categorization belongs to a different group, and a very senior lawmaker.
Dr. Rufus Manasseh, a legislative analyst opines that, “yes, the opposition parties in the House may not have done what some people expected, largely to their style of legislation, but it is wrong to mark them in the deficits. Considering the levels covered in the past two years, they need the unwavering support and understanding of every Nigerian towards ensuring that the ruling party meets the expectations of the people.” Fact is that, given the multi-sectoral challenges that have birth snail-speed national growth and development, the citizenry will not mind whatever strategy the opposition caucus deploys in turning the tide.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja
——As The Lawmaker offers Bursary to 84 Outstanding Students, Certificates In ICT To 1000 Others
The four-day grand finale of the Free training on information and computer technology, ( ICT) Programme sponsored by the Member Representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, came to a successful conclusion on Sunday, 20th September, 2026 at St. Therese Parish, Phase Six, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
The programme, designed to equip young people with essential digital skills and improve their capacity to thrive in today’s technology-driven world, featured Bursary Awards to 84 outstanding students and presentation of certificates to over 1,000 students and youths drawn from communities across the constituency.
Highpoint of the colourful event was the presentation of a special “Award of Excellence” to Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi in recognition of his commitment to youth development, education and community empowerment by the St. Therese Parish, of Catholic Church, Phase Six, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
Presenting the award on behalf of the parish, Very Rev. Fr. Franklin Udeze expressed profound appreciation to Prof. Nnamchi for his numerous contributions to human capital development and what he described as his outstanding performance in the National Assembly. He prayed that God would continue to bless, guide and strengthen him in his service to the people.
In his response, Hon. Prof. Nnamchi appreciated the parishioners, youths and students for the honour and recognition, noting that God’s grace and their prayers had been his strength.
He stated further that, “one of his primary objectives in the National Assembly is to ensure that students across Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency acquire computer literacy and essential digital skills”.
Prof Nnamchi also emphasized that the world had become increasingly technology-driven and that young people must be adequately prepared to participate meaningfully in the global community.
Earlier, the Programme Coordinator, *Engr. Igwe Daniel Nwachukwu, praised the parents and guardians for entrusting their children and wards to the programme and for supporting their participation throughout the excise.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make meaningful use of the knowledge and skills acquired, stressing that the true value of the programme would be demonstrated through their ability to apply what they have learned to improve their lives, create opportunities and contribute positively to society.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Avian Chimeziterem expressed sincere appreciation to Hon. Prof. Nnamchi for remembering young people and providing them with such a valuable and impactful opportunity.
She thanked the lawmaker and resource persons for investing in their future and assured that they would make good use of the skills acquired during the one month intensive computer training programme.
The successful completion of the 4th edition, which trained 2,927 students marks another significant milestone in the lawmaker’s drive to promote digital literacy, youth empowerment and educational development in Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency.
By Gloria Ikibah
Ghana has called for stronger regional cooperation among ECOWAS member states to tackle the growing links between climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity across West Africa.
The call was made on Tuesday by Ghana’s Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who represented President John Dramani Mahama at the official opening of the Second 2026 Parliamentary Seminar and Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra.
The seminar, being held under the theme, “Climate Change as a Driver of Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Rising Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region,” is examining the growing impact of climate-related pressures on communities, livelihoods and regional security.
Opoku-Agyemang said the interconnected nature of the challenges required ECOWAS countries to move beyond isolated national responses and develop coordinated measures capable of addressing both the immediate consequences and underlying causes.
She said: “We need stronger early warnings, better support for host communities, more resilient livelihoods and better coordination across our borders, acting before local pressures become wider humanitarian crises”.
The Vice-President said climate change should no longer be treated solely as an environmental matter, arguing that its consequences were increasingly being felt in development, humanitarian and security sectors.
She cited population displacement across the Sahel and neighbouring coastal states, noting that insecurity, environmental stress and disrupted livelihoods in one part of West Africa could increasingly place pressure on communities and national systems elsewhere.
According to her, Ghana was working with ECOWAS to strengthen early-warning mechanisms through improved data sharing, closer coordination and stronger links between national and regional response systems.
Opoku-Agyemang also called for greater efforts to mobilise climate finance and invest in resilient agriculture, water management, coastal protection and clean energy.
According to her, ECOWAS already had important frameworks covering free movement, disaster risk reduction, climate action and early warning, but the priority should now be to ensure that the frameworks were fully implemented and adequately funded.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, also called for climate commitments to be translated into practical measures through legislation, budgets and effective oversight.
“Our role is to ensure that public policy and budgets devoted to climate resilience … contain also the humanitarian dimensions, economic, social, migratory, and security concerns,” she said.
Ibrahima said recent flooding along parts of the region’s coastline had demonstrated how closely climate, humanitarian and security challenges were connected.
She therefore urged parliamentarians to use the seminar to develop practical recommendations capable of protecting vulnerable communities and preventing environmental pressures from escalating into conflict.
The Ghanaian Parliament called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen legislation on environmental governance, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and sustainable management of natural resources.
It also urged governments to improve protection for displaced persons, refugees and host communities, while creating opportunities for young people and women through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and entrepreneurship.
The Second Deputy Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Hon. Andrew Asiamah, who represented the Speaker, emphasised that no ECOWAS member state can address the challenges alone.
He noted that rivers, ecosystems and environmental crimes did not respect national borders, making regional cooperation essential to tackling the problems.
Hon. Asiamah also warned that effective regional responses would require adequate financing, saying policies without the resources to implement them would remain largely aspirational.
The Head of the Ghanaian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, said the regional Parliament had an important role to play in finding solutions to climate change and insecurity because lawmakers were closer to the people.
He called for a coordinated and holistic approach to the challenges confronting the region.
The Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament will also consider the institution’s 2027 budget and activity programme.
The parliamentary seminar forms part of ongoing regional efforts to examine the relationship between climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and growing insecurity in West Africa.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for a new regional compact to tackle climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity, warning that the region can no longer treat climate change as an environmental concern alone.
The call was made on Tuesday by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, represented by the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Nassirou Bako-Arifari, at the Second 2026 Joint Parliamentary Seminar in Accra, Ghana.
The seminar, which runs from September 21 to 23, is focused on “Climate Change as a Driver of Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement and Rising Insecurity in the ECOWAS Region.”
Prof. Bako-Arifari said the consequences of climate change were already placing growing pressure on communities, livelihoods and regional stability, making coordinated action by governments and parliaments increasingly necessary.
He said: “The theme before us is not simply an environmental issue. It is a development issue, a humanitarian issue, a peace and security issue, and ultimately an issue of human survival and regional stability confronting ECOWAS member states. West Africa is among the regions of the world particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, desertification, coastal erosion, floods and the degradation of forests and farmlands are placing unprecedented pressure on communities and livelihoods.”
Naijablitznews.com reports that the World Bank has projected that West African countries could see as many as 32 million people moving within their own countries by 2050 because of climate factors if concrete climate and development action is not taken.
Bako-Arifari said ECOWAS had begun work to address the financing challenge facing climate action, including efforts to establish a regional carbon market platform under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
“Honourable Parliamentarians, Since 2024, the ECOWAS Commission has initiated an ambitious process aimed at establishing a regional carbon market platform in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, a mechanism intended to mobilise necessary investments to address climate financing needs estimated at $294 bn for the region.
“Against this background, this Seminar is organised to provide a veritable platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, inter-institutional consultations to come up with concrete recommendations to strengthen climate resilience, human security and sustainable development in the ECOWAS Region”, he noted.
According to ECOWAS the region’s climate financing needs are estimated at $294 billion, while its regional carbon market initiative is being developed as one avenue for mobilising additional resources.
The ECOWAS commissioner placed particular emphasis on the role of parliamentarians, saying lawmakers had the power to translate regional commitments into national policies and practical action.
“This brings us to the critical role of Parliamentarians. Parliaments are uniquely positioned to translate regional commitments into national action. You provide the legislative frameworks, approve national budgets, exercise oversight and, importantly, serve as a direct bridge between governments and citizens”, he said.
Bako-Arifari proposed stronger climate-responsive legislation and oversight, increased domestic and regional financing, better early-warning systems and more inclusive management of natural resources.
“First, strengthen climate-responsive legislation and oversight. Our laws and policies must adequately address environmental protection, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable management of natural resources.
“Second, prioritise climate financing. Climate resilience cannot be achieved through declarations alone. We need predictable domestic and regional resources, while also mobilising international climate finance and strengthening access to available funding mechanisms.
“Third, strengthen early warning and early action. We must move from reacting to climate-related disasters to anticipating and preventing them. Regional early warning systems should be linked to communitylevel preparedness and rapid response mechanisms.
“Fourth, promote inclusive management of natural resources. Land, water, forests and fisheries must be managed transparently and sustainably. Local communities, women, young people, traditional authorities and other stakeholders must have a meaningful role in decision-making.
“Fifth, place youth and women at the centre of climate resilience. They are not merely victims of climate change. They are innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and agents of resilience. Investing in their skills, enterprises and participation is therefore an investment in the future stability of our region.”
Bako-Arifari said ECOWAS must also strengthen cooperation among member states on climate adaptation, disaster management, food and water security, environmental protection and the management of resources shared across borders.
He therefore called for closer collaboration between governments, parliaments, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, the private sector, academia and development partners.
On the broader security implications, he said ECOWAS needed to adopt a wider understanding of security which went beyond the protection of borders and prevention of armed conflict.
But cautioned against waiting for environmental pressures to develop into humanitarian or security crises.
“The scale and complexity of this challenge require us to move from fragmented responses to a comprehensive regional climate-resilience and human-security agenda. We need a new understanding of security—one that recognises that security is not only about protecting borders and preventing armed conflict. It is also about ensuring that citizens have access to food, water, livelihoods, a safe environment and opportunities for a dignified life.
“We must therefore be proactive and invest in resilience before crises occur. We must protect our ecosystems before they become irreversibly degraded. We must create livelihoods before desperation drives communities into displacement. Last but not the least, we must address grievances before they become conflict”, he added.
The commissioner urged parliamentarians to ensure that the seminar produced practical outcomes rather than becoming another forum for discussing the region’s climate challenges.
“Let us build an ECOWAS region embedded in in which climate resilience is development planning; where displacement is managed with dignity; where natural resources become instruments of cooperation rather than sources of conflict; and where our young people see a future of opportunity rather than one defined by environmental vulnerability and insecurity.
“Let our efforts continue to advance peace, security, resilience and sustainable development in the ECOWAS Region as ECOWAS transitions from ECOWAS of States to ECOWAS of People and Prosperity for All”, he stated.
Prof Nnamchi Bags Excellence Award From Catholic Parish For His Investment In Youths(Photos)
Ghana Urges ECOWAS States to Unite Against Climate-driven Insecurity
ECOWAS Seeks New Regional Pact as Climate Crisis Threatens Security
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