The House of Representatives has called on Nigerians to exercise their constitutional rights by understanding the functions of each tier of government to ensure sustainable growth and development.
Honourable Ahmed Yusuf Doro, who represents Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency in Katsina State, gave the advice during the commemoration of the Open Week organized by the House of Representatives.
According to him, the Open Week was designed to enlighten the public on how the legislative arm of government functions as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He explained that under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen, the House has opened an important avenue to clarify misconceptions about the duties of legislators.
Hon. Doro noted that many Nigerians mistakenly believe that lawmakers are responsible for awarding contracts or executing projects, roles which constitutionally belong to the executive arm of government.
This misconception, he said, has placed unnecessary pressure on legislators.
He expressed optimism that the Open Week would help Nigerians differentiate the roles of the legislature from those of the executive, thereby reducing blame and misdirected expectations.
Similarly, Hon. Auwal Gwalabe, representing Katagum Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, encouraged citizens, particularly from the North to take greater interest in what their representatives are doing.
He emphasized that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to ask questions and expect answers from those in government, adding that democracy is fundamentally “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Hon. Gwalabe commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for organizing the Open Week, which brought together civil society groups, traditional rulers, technocrats, and grassroots citizens to discuss the workings of the legislature.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant on issues such as local government autonomy, state creation, economic development policies, and constitutional amendments, saying such awareness is key to national progress.
COV/Bashir M
