We’ll continue championing rights of poor, weak Nigerians – Gbajabiamila
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would continue to champion the rights of weak and poor Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila said that having been elected by the people, it is incumbent on members of the House as representatives to anchor the well-being of the people.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Nigeria National Group of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (NNG-PGA) chaired by Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas.
The speaker, who expressed delight that this is the first time that the Nigeria National Group would be confirmed and recognised in Nigeria by the international council of the Parliamentarians for Global Action, said he believes the group would achieve a lot.
He said as the largest non-governmental organisation, multi-party and international network of legislators globally, members of the Nigerian group should use the opportunity to engage and network with their peers from other parliaments to deepen the country’s legislative practice and performance.
“The issue of addressing illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and improved regulation of the international arms trade to prevent human abuses as contained in the programmes and campaign of Parliamentarians for Global Action will further complement government’s efforts in addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
“As I said during my inaugural speech as speaker of the House, the 9th assembly under my leadership is going to be a House of reforms, which is intended to reposition the institution for greater achievement.
“The synergy with the various state Houses of Assembly as mentioned by the chair is a welcome development. We as a House shall also be the anchor of the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
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Gbajabiamila also promised to give the Nigerian group the required support for its programmes and campaigns.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Group, Rep. Namdas, said that the Parliamentarians for Global Action with over 1, 350 members in 140 countries is committed to the defence of human rights, the rule of law, democracy, human security and gender equality.
“One of the core principles of the Parliamentarians for Global Action is the protecting the human rights of democracy activists, especially parliamentarians in opposition, women in politics and vulnerable groups.
“PGA is therefore, committed to protecting the fundamental rights of parliamentarians,” he said, noting that the group would provide a platform for synergy with their counterparts in the states to improve legislative roles.
