By Suleiman Abubakar
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to oversight, describing it as the bedrock for democratic governance.
Speaking during the 7th annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi roundtable and 75th posthumous birthday of the late former governor of Oyo State, held at the University of Ibadan on Monday, he said oversight ensures accountability, transparency, and the much-needed checks and balances which enhance the effective use of public funds.
The roundtable organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategies Studies, University of Ibadan, had the topic; “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
“ The role of legislative oversight in a democratic society cannot be overemphasized because it is the bedrock of democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the much-needed checks and balances which enhance the effective use of public funds,” he said.
The Deputy President of the Senate, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said that as the government’s watchdog, the legislature plays a crucial role in holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring that the people’s interests are being served.
He Stressed that, Through oversight functions, the legislature has the power to investigate government activities, evaluate policies, and monitor the implementation of programs and activities of government for which funds have been appropriated.
The Deputy Senate President while Commending the SAAF for maintaining the legacy, principle and philosophy of the late Oyo Governor through the annual roundtable, he said the selection of the topic, “ legislative oversight, its challenges and prospects was timely as it would enable Nigerians to reflect on the role of the legislature in shaping the destiny of the nation. And also Assured, that the 10th Assembly’s will continue to stay committed to performing its duties, and equally invite constructive critique of their activities at all times,” he was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir.
Responding to questions from discussants at the roundtable, he explained the rationale behind naming the National Assembly Library after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“ On the issue of the naming of the National Assembly Library, we decided to do that because we felt that it is the only time in history, the first time in history, that a former senator was elected to lead this country.
“ Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a senator and his wife was a senator. So, we felt these two things that happened in the National Assembly should be appreciated. And so, we decided to name the library after our dear president because of his history as a former senator, “ he said.
