Reps to amend standing orders for e-petitions

The House of Representatives has expressed its readiness to amend its standing orders to make room for electronic petitions and facilitate the use of Information and Communication Technology in receiving and processing public petitions.

The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas made the pledge at the National Assembly Complex on Monday at the unveiling of the Newly Digitalized Hearing Room, equipped with modern Information and Communication Technology tools by the Public Accounts Committee of the House.

The Committee, chaired by the member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Osun State, Bamidele Salam also unveiled “The PAC News,” a quarterly magazine of the committee, as part of the activities marking the first anniversary of the 10thHouse of Representatives.

Speaking at the event held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Monday, Speaker, Abbas lauded the committee for the initiative, stressing that with the feat, PAC would function better in discharging its duties to the nations.

“The House will commence the process of amending its Standing Orders to accommodate e-petitions and facilitate the use of Information and Communication Technology in receiving and processing public petitions. This transformative step will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and will enable more efficient, transparent, and accessible petition procedures, allowing citizens to engage with the legislative process more effectively.

“By integrating ICT, we aim to ensure that every voice can be heard and considered promptly, thus reinforcing our dedication to a responsive and accountable governance system that truly serves the interests of the Nigerian people,” the Speaker said.

He also lauded the committee for its service since the inauguration of the 10th House on June 13, 2023, saying, “I commend the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon Bamidele Salam and his members for their relentless dedication to delivering on the mandate of the committee as constitutionally provided. To further improve the effectiveness of PAC, you have gone a step further to introduce additional legislative tools and mechanisms that strengthen good governance and enhance openness and accountability.

“According to our recently unveiled one-year scorecard, PAC alone accounted for 96 of the total committee meetings, representing 19 per cent of the 502 meetings held by our committees in the first session of the House. Your oversight activities on issues arising from House resolutions, such as the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the investigation of revenue leakages through the Remita platform, and other referred petitions, highlight the seriousness to attach to your oversight functions.

“Incorporating Information and Communication Technology into the work of Public Accounts Committees of parliaments is essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the oversight of public funds. Advanced digital tools and platforms streamline data analysis, facilitate real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby, making the oversight process more effective and accessible,” the Speaker said in his remark at the event.”

On his part, Salam, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, said “Innovations mark a significant step forward in our quest to support the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of open parliament through transparency, digitalisation, and citizens’ engagement, in line with agenda 1 (Strengthening Good Governance) and 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda.

He said, “This digitalised hearing room, equipped with digital technologies such as laptops with over 100 resources, unlimited internet facilities, large-screen multimedia, and other technical devices for e-hearing, represents a major milestone in our committee’s history. I am proud to say that we are now better equipped to discharge our constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“Through this platform, we will be able to conduct virtual hearings and meetings, reducing the need for physical presence and increasing our reach and accessibility; access and review documents and pieces of evidence submitted/presented by Ministries, Agencies, and Departments of government electronically, streamlining our review process and reducing paperwork; engage with stakeholders and the public in real-time, increasing transparency and public participation and track and monitor our progress on recommendations and resolutions, ensuring accountability and proper follow-up.”

The resources according to the lawmaker include “Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960 to 2024); Legislative Law Reports (1987 to 2023); Judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1960 to 2024); Judgments on Customary Laws of Nigeria (1960 to 2013), and Law journals and others of all Nigerian Universities on the Bold Scholar website.”

Others include “Standing Orders and bills of the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, 2023 till date; Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the website of the National Library of Nigeria; E-copies of all the debates of legislative bodies of Nigeria from 1914 till 1999 on the E-library of the National Institute of Legislative Studies, Abuja and many other laws relevant to the work of the Public Accounts Committee.”

He listed the expected impact of the PAC news to include “Fostering a sustained relationship with the media, civil society, and partners/stakeholders and facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.”