By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called for cooperation among the arms of government and also charged Senior Legislative Aides to synergise for the success of the National Assembly.
Kalu who stated this at a retreat irganised for Senior Legislative Aids in the Deputy Speaker’s Office in Abuja, on Monday, with the theme: “Synergy and Success”, said that the National Assembly has been entrusted with the power to influence and shape the legislative landscape of the country.
He said: “In our line of work, capacity-building is not just an option, it is a necessity. We find ourselves at the intersection of policy, governance, and public service – a dynamic environment constantly challenging us. We must continuously improve our skills, broaden our horizons, and equip ourselves with the necessary tools to meet these challenges.
“Within the walls of the legislature, we are not only expected to understand and interpret complex policy matters but also to communicate them effectively to our constituents. We are required to negotiate, persuade, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. We are expected to possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise to make informed decisions that can shape the destiny of our country. Therefore, we must invest time and effort in expanding our knowledge, developing our skills, and enhancing our capabilities.
“This requires us to not only understand the intricacies of law-making but also to perform our oversight function with utmost integrity. This responsibility extends to using our office to impact positively on the nation”.
According to Kalu, as aides, there is the need to continue to uphold standards in administering the office.
“Efficiency, professionalism, and ethical considerations should guide our interactions and decision-making process. You are not only custodians of my office but also ambassadors of our nation’s democratic values.
“An essential aspect of your duties lies in economic advisory. We are tasked with dealing with complex issues surrounding projects and budgets. This duty requires an in-depth understanding of our national economy, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of politics, you interface with the political aspects of the office. This role requires navigating the complex interplay of political interests and alliances while always keeping the nation’s best interest at heart”, the Deputy Speaker said.
He further assured that his office will work hand-in-hand with the Speaker’s office to ensure the smooth operation of the House of Representatives and advance shared Legislative Agenda, particularly regarding constitutional amendments.
“In the sphere of programs, you are entrusted with the execution of initiatives such as the Peace in the Southeast project (PISE-P), a project launched for the benefit of the Southeast region and the entire nation, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, goodwill, and youth programs like leadership initiatives, to mention a few. We must arrange these programs to be actionable for partnership, optimizing the office’s capacity for the betterment of our society.
He highlighted: “Our nation’s constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and ensuring its effectiveness is paramount. We must work together to identify areas where the Constitution can be strengthened to better serve the needs of our evolving nation. This office aspires to be a hub for resolving the issues surrounding.
“Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. I am proud to work with a team that is not only highly competent but also deeply committed to public service. You are deeply appreciated. I also appreciate the European Union for its generous funding and sponsorship of this retreat. Your support has been significant in our quest to optimize the output and deliver the best for our nation. My gratitude also extends to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme and International IDEA. Your collaboration with my office in organizing this retreat signifies a shared commitment to our democratic values and principles”.
For the Deputy Speaker, a strong and unified team, working collaboratively towards a shared vision, can achieve remarkable things and urged the aids to use this retreat to build that synergy and propel themselves forward in service to our nation.
In his goodwill message, Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, said that synergy, which denotes collaboration and teamwork, remains a critical success factor in any organisational setting.
He said: “In fact, no organisation succeeds in attaining its set goals without teamwork. Hence, the chosen theme for this retreat is appropriate and timely, particularly in an era of our democratic evolution where intra and inter-agency collaboration is fast becoming the norm”.
He added that as a law-making institution, the National Assembly relies on the mutual support of this tripartite structure to properly carry out its constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff To The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Toby Okechukwu said that the gathering marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s collective journey towards excellence, collaboration, and synergy.
Former Deputy Speakers at the retreat said that the retreat was very important as it would broaden the scope of knowledge of the aids.
There were goodwill messages from the EU and other development partners as well as all former deputy speakers.