The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State legislatures who is also the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin has sought a working and effective collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy towards the embracing and the adoption of E-parliament by all State Assemblies in Nigeria.
The Conference Chairman stated this when he met with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in Abuja.
The Conference Chairman who was accompanied by the Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatum, the DG Conference of Speakers, Mr. Busari Sharafadeen and the Secretary, Alisabatu Adonijah said the meeting was in furtherance of the vision of the leadership of the Conference to meet with critical stakeholders in government towards repositioning State legislatures across the country.
Hon Ogundoyin said it was time for all 36 State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria to become fully digitalised in line with the best global practices, adding that the support and collaboration of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy became imperative in this regard.
“The meeting was to open a communication channel between the Conference of Speakers and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital. We intend to use the Ministry as a coordinating agent in our quest to ensure that all State Assemblies embrace e-parliament. Our State legislatures must completely go digital to enhance citizens participation in parliamentary proceedings and also enable them have access to critical decisions or resolutions of the legislature.”
“There must be live plenary of all our sessions and all State Assemblies must have functioning websites to allow the public to have access to all necessary information about our legislative activities and procedures. This is important in enhancing the legislative institution at state levels.” Ogundoyin said.
According to him, if the citizens are aware of activities of their lawmakers and by extension that of the Government, this will enhance their participation and keep their hope alive.
“We need to harness the potential benefits of ICT to improve our parliamentary processes and become better and stronger institution. I am convinced that with the experience of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, he will help in driving this vision of the Conference for the State legislatures.” Ogundoyin said
