Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said on Monday, March 18, that those in government must work together to identify areas where the 1999 Constitution can be strengthened to better serve the needs of the nation.

Speaking at a retreat for Senior Legislative aides attached to his office, Kalu described the constitution as the bedrock of the nation’s democracy, saying ensuring its effectiveness is paramount.

He said the office aspires to be a hub for resolving the issues surrounding constitutional amendment by carrying out extensive research and analysing the potential impact of the proposed amendments engaging the public through town hall meetings and public hearings and collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure that proposed amendments are well-crafted and reflect the will of the people.

He said the parliament has been entrusted with the power to influence and shape the legislative landscape of the country, adding that this requires an understanding of the intricacies of law-making but also to perform our oversight function with the utmost integrity.

He said: “As aides, you must continue to uphold our standards in administering the office. Efficiency, professionalism, and ethical considerations should guide our interactions and decision-making process. You are not only custodians of my office but also ambassadors of our nation’s democratic values.

“An essential aspect of your duties lies in economic advisory. We are tasked with dealing with complex issues surrounding projects and budgets. This duty requires an in-depth understanding of our national economy, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth.

In the realm of politics, you interface with the political aspects of the office.

“This role requires navigating the complex interplay of political interests and alliances while always keeping the nation’s best interest at heart.

“In the sphere of programs, you are entrusted with the execution of initiatives such as the Peace in the Southeast project (PISE-P), a project launched for the benefit of the Southeast region and the entire nation, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, goodwill, and youth programs like leadership initiatives, to mention a few. We must arrange these programs to be actionable for partnership, optimizing the office’s capacity for the betterment of our society”.

Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, said synergy which translated to collaboration and teamwork, remains a critical success factor in any organisational setting, adding that no organisation succeeds in attaining its set goals without teamwork.

He said that as a law-making institution, the National Assembly relies on the mutual support of this tripartite structure to properly carry out its constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight.

He said further that the 10^th House of Representatives, in its Legislative Agenda (2023-2007), emphasizes the need for inter-chamber collaboration to enhance efficiency, advocate for public interests, provide checks and balances, and foster improved decision-making.

The CAN said the retreat was organised to provide Senior Legislative Aides with opportunities to engage in conversations that foster intra and inter-chamber synergy in the National Assembly to achieve success and enhance the intellectual abilities and skills of Senior Legislative Aide to facilitate effective collaboration and enhance the delivery of legislative services.

Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker Toby Okechukwu said the gathering marks a significant moment in the collective journey towards excellence, collaboration, and synergy.

According to him, the theme of this retreat, “Synergy and Success,” speaks to the fact that you cannot clap with one hand, neither can you wash with one hand, adding that the retreat is about forging that powerful “togetherness” that will propel the Deputy Speaker’s office and the institution of the National Assembly to greater heights.

He said: “As aides to the deputy speaker, we are entrusted with a profound responsibility—to support, enhance, and amplify the efficacy of the office. Our success is evaluated not only by individual accomplishments, but also by our ability to work together, communicate effectively, and coordinate our efforts toward a common objective”. (The Nation)

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