In a recent retreat organized by the National Institutes for Legislative Studies (NILS) for members of the National Assembly Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the key note speaker emphasized the importance of linkages between elected representatives and citizens and the role of public petitions in this relationship. He equally stressed the need for law makers to continue to work hard to earn the trust of citizens by encouraging greater citizen engagement in the legislative process.
In addition, he noted the significant increase in the number of public petitions which the committee has received so far (525) when compared to only 77 which the previous (7th) Assembly received. This increase was largely attributed to the realization by citizens that justice was accessible through the committee.
Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria.