Over the weekend, I was privileged to chair the two-day "Strategy And Capacity Building Retreat" organized by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC in conjunction with the European Union, EU for the House Committee on Public Petitions.
The event which held between Friday, 26th and Saturday, 27th October, 2023 at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel had all members of the House Committee on Public Petitions and other dignitaries in attendance
During the retreat, we had the privilege to discuss pertinent issues surrounding public petitions and democratic governance in Nigeria. We all learned that for any democracy to thrive, citizens must be accorded their rights and responsibilities, and their input in the governance process must not only be heard but also acted upon.
As chairman of both the workshop and House Committee on Public Petitions, I used the opportunity to express my commitment to ensuring effective legislative processes that resolve the complaints and demands of our citizens. I also emphasised the place of accountability and transparency by elected and appointed government officials in enshrining democracy, calling for continuous collaboration and partnerships between the legislature and civil society organizations to enhance citizens' voices and participation in governance.
I would like to appreciate the EU and PLAC for facilitating this workshop. I also wish to use this opportunity to thank the good people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency for giving me the mandate to represent them in the National Assembly as well as the leadership of the National Assembly for saddling me with the responsibility as chairman of the House Committee on public petitions which incidentally Ied to me becoming chairman of the retreat. I assure the public that we are going to work together to drive citizen engagement and advocacy for good governance.
Once again, I want to thank my constituents for granting me the privilege to contribute to improving democratic governance in Nigeria.
Thank you.
RT. Hon. Mike Etaba,
Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency and,
chairman,
House Committee on Public Petitions.
Pst Bill Francis Bill Senior Chief Advocate to Rt Hon mike Etaba
