Effective Parliamentary Oversight Crucial To Human Rights Protection- Speaker

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that effective parliamentary oversight of security agencies is crucial to ensuring adherence to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on legislative oversight for security agencies, organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Abbas highlighted the legislature’s critical role in overseeing security institutions to ensure they fulfill their mandate of protecting citizens.

Represented by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Dr Abbss noted that striking a balance between security and accountability is essential for maintaining public trust and the legitimacy of government institutions.

Acknowledging the complexity and technical nature of the security sector, he stressed the need for legislators to build the necessary expertise to effectively scrutinize security operations and align them with national goals in compliance with existing laws.

Dr Abbass maintained that at a time when the nation is grappling with a host of intractable security challenges, the people look upon the parliament to deploy necessary legislative powers and framework to help security agencies to overcome these challenges.

The Lawmaker urged participants to acquaint themselves with the manual and utilize it in their various committee assignments, saying it is comprehensive enough to help them navigate the complexities of the security sector for a more meaningful oversight engagement.

He also asked them to keep under review the efficacy of existing oversight institutions, engage in ongoing scrutiny as well as conduct ad hoc investigations into specific activities undertaken by security services.

Dr Abbas said that this dual approach will ensure that potential abuses and inefficiencies are promptly identified and addressed.

Commending the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for their support to strengthen the institutional capacity of the National Assembly to deliver on its responsibilities to the nation, the Speaker assured of their commitment to make the most use of them.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji