By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Nigerian National Assembly Open Week 2025 has brought to the fore the importance of citizen engagement and participation in the legislative process.Honourable Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa, member representing Gamawa federal constituency in the House has expressed optimism that the open week will provide an opportunity for the National Assembly to clarify its role and responsibilities to the citizens.
Speaking during an Interview at the National Assembly complex, on the first day of open week with the theme: “Deepening Citizens’ Trust and Participation”, Rep Gamawa noted that there are misconceptions about the National Assembly’s responsibilities, with citizens expecting the Assembly to perform functions that are actually the responsibility of local governments.
“There’s also a lot of misconceptions regarding the citizens’ expectations on the National Assembly, There are so many things the local government is supposed to be doing, but because the local government has yet to function well, the citizens and constituents expect the National Assembly to be doing it.”
He however emphasized that the open week is an opportunity for the National Assembly to present its work and clarify its responsibility.
“This open week is an opportunity for us to present the work of the National Assembly and clarify its responsibility,” he said. By doing so, the National Assembly aims to deepen citizens’ trust and participation in the legislative process”, he said.
Rep Gamawa also said, the open week is a platform for the National Assembly to engage with citizens and let them know what they are doing. “The open week is an opportunity to engage with them and let them know what we are doing here,” he said. “The Speaker has read our scorecard as a House, and so far, there are a number of motions and Bills that we have done so far in the National Assembly.”
He Further highlighted some of the achievements of the National Assembly, including bills he has sponsored on health and the judiciary that will impact citizens’ rights. “A number of bills that I have sponsored on health and the judiciary, and all of them are bills that will impact on these rights,” he said. He also mentioned driving development projects in his constituency and empowering youth and women to make them self-reliant.
The National Assembly Open Week 2025 is a step towards promoting accountability and transparency in governance. Honourable Gamawa’s efforts to engage with his constituents and showcase his achievements demonstrate his commitment to representing the people’s interests.