The Nigerian House of Representatives recently joined parliaments across the world in celebrating the International Day of Parliamentarism, also known as World Parliament Day. This day, which is celebrated every year on June 30, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. It is a time for nations to acknowledge the important role that parliaments play in upholding democracy, ensuring good governance, and promoting the rule of law. This celebration is spearheaded by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization that brings together parliaments from around the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration was focused on the role of parliamentarians in international cooperation and conflict resolution. This is in line with the theme of the 148th Assembly of the IPU, which was: “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role that parliamentarians play in fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation across national borders.
The Nigerian House of Representatives, led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in his message for the day. He emphasized that diplomacy within and between parliaments is essential to building better relationships among nations, promoting peace, and solving global issues. In this spirit, the Nigerian House of Representatives took a notable step earlier this year by forming 71 Parliamentary Friendship Groups. These groups are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with other countries and support mutual cooperation. By establishing these groups, the Nigerian Parliament is playing an active role in fostering global understanding and peace.
Additionally, the Nigerian delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s last assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrated the country’s dedication to global peace and humanitarian issues. The delegation, which was led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, worked to raise global awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for parliamentarians worldwide to take strong action in addressing the crisis. Their efforts earned Nigeria international recognition, showcasing the country’s commitment to humanitarian values, global peace, and security.
In his message, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reiterated the importance of continuing the work of building bridges between nations. He emphasized that the role of parliamentarians goes beyond national borders and that it is crucial to work together to address challenges facing the global community. He stressed the need for international cooperation in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development for all people. His message underscored the responsibility of parliaments to work together to foster a more inclusive and prosperous world.
In addition to emphasizing international cooperation, the Speaker also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian House of Representatives to improve legislative practices within the country. He emphasized that the House is committed to innovative approaches to legislation, inclusive decision-making, and achieving outcomes that benefit all Nigerians. This is part of the House’s broader agenda to make the legislative process more transparent and accessible to the public.
As part of the celebrations and in line with their commitment to openness and inclusivity, the Nigerian House of Representatives is also preparing for the inaugural Legislative Open Week. This event is set to take place from July 3 to July 5, 2024, and will mark the beginning of the Second Session of the 10th Assembly. The Legislative Open Week aims to make the legislative process more transparent and accessible to the Nigerian public, and it will be a significant step in promoting an open parliament.
In his statement, Rotimi Akin, the spokesman for the House, emphasized that the event is part of the House’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, inclusion, and openness in its operations. The Legislative Open Week will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work of the House and engage with lawmakers. This initiative is part of the broader Legislative Agenda of the House, which focuses on making the legislative process more inclusive and participatory.
World Parliament Day is an important occasion for reflecting on the role of parliaments in shaping the world we live in. It is a reminder that parliaments, as the elected representatives of the people, play a critical role in ensuring that the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld. The celebration also serves as a reminder of the power of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations.
The Nigerian House of Representatives, through its actions and commitments, continues to contribute to the global conversation about the importance of international cooperation and conflict resolution. By establishing Parliamentary Friendship Groups and participating in international forums, Nigeria is taking an active role in fostering peace and cooperation on the global stage. The actions of the Nigerian delegation at the IPU Assembly in Geneva are a testament to the country’s dedication to promoting humanitarian values and global peace.
As Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said, the work of parliamentarians goes beyond national borders. It is essential that lawmakers around the world continue to work together to tackle global challenges, from humanitarian crises to environmental issues, and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all. The Nigerian House of Representatives’ ongoing commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and its efforts to make the legislative process more open and inclusive are important steps toward building a more cooperative and peaceful world.
In conclusion, World Parliament Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of parliaments around the world and reflect on their role in promoting peace, democracy, and the rule of law. The Nigerian House of Representatives is proud to play its part in this global effort, demonstrating a strong commitment to international cooperation and innovative legislative practices. The upcoming Legislative Open Week is just one example of how the House is working to strengthen its connection with the Nigerian people and improve the legislative process for everyone. As we look to the future, the continued efforts of parliaments to work together and build bridges of understanding will be key to solving the challenges we face as a global community.
