Stakeholders seek credible elections, stronger legislative oversight at NASS Open Week

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

Stakeholders have called for credible elections, stronger legislative oversight and greater transparency in governance as the National Assembly marked its Open Week in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, themed “Three Years of the 10th National Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform,” former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, said lawmakers derive their legitimacy from the people and must emerge through credible electoral processes.

He urged members of the National Assembly to always place the interests and aspirations of Nigerians above every other consideration, stressing that they are representatives of the people.

The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, said the Open Week offered an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the 10th National Assembly over the past three years and assess the challenges ahead.

According to him, the Assembly has demonstrated commitment in key areas, including the ongoing constitutional review, efforts to modernise legislative procedures, consideration of electoral and governance reforms, increased deployment of digital platforms and greater engagement with citizens and civil society.

He also noted the legislature’s resilience in responding to emerging national challenges while maintaining a stable legislative environment.

However, Nwankwo said Nigerians expect more from the legislature, particularly in exercising independent oversight of the executive arm of government.

He said citizens also expect more timely consideration of critical national issues, greater transparency in legislative activities, wider public participation in law-making, and reforms that improve governance, security, economic opportunities and social justice.

“The legislature is at its strongest not when it agrees with the executive, but when it faithfully discharges its constitutional duty to scrutinise executive action, protect public resources and ensure that government remains accountable to the people,” he said.

As the 10th National Assembly enters the final phase of its tenure, Nwankwo urged lawmakers to consolidate their legacy by concluding the constitutional amendment process in line with broad national consensus.

He identified priority areas to include strengthening the legal framework for credible elections, passing the Special Seats Bill for Women, advancing reforms that promote inclusion, improving transparency in legislative operations, and ensuring oversight functions are evidence-based and focused on measurable outcomes for citizens.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, commended the National Assembly Open Week initiative, describing it as evidence that the House is living up to its reputation as the “People’s House.”

Former Senator Shehu Sani also urged lawmakers to enact laws that directly benefit Nigerians and address their pressing needs.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Henry Nwawuba, said the Open Week reflects the commitment of the leadership and members of the National Assembly to strengthening democratic governance.

He said the initiative provides Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the 10th National Assembly, appreciate its legislative achievements and strengthen the relationship between parliament and the citizens it represents.

Nwawuba noted that this year’s Open Week coincides with the second anniversary of the National Assembly Library, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the library has remained committed to preserving Nigeria’s legislative heritage, promoting research, expanding public access to legislative information and modernising parliamentary knowledge management through technology.

He added that within two years, the National Assembly Library has evolved into a leading centre for legislative memory and public engagement.

Other stakeholders also delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the importance of transparency, inclusion, accountability and sustained reforms in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

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