By Christiana Ekpa
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for greater transparency, inclusiveness, and institutional reforms in the National Assembly, saying these principles are essential to building public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Gbajabiamila said the event should go beyond a ceremonial exercise and serve as a platform for scrutiny, dialogue, and partnership between lawmakers and citizens.
According to him, citizens should be able to understand how laws are made, how public funds are appropriated, and how legislative oversight protects the national interest.
He stressed the need for the legislature to continue engaging young people, women, persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, the private sector, professional bodies, and communities across the country.
Drawing from his experience as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila said he understood the challenges of balancing competing interests while preserving national unity and advancing the common good.
He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, principal officers, and members of the 10th National Assembly for the reforms undertaken so far.
While noting that the executive and legislature are separate arms of government, he said both institutions share a common responsibility to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Constructive cooperation does not diminish legislative independence, nor does robust debate amount to institutional conflict,” he said, adding that democracy is strengthened when both arms of government work with mutual respect, constitutional fidelity, and a focus on results.
Gbajabiamila urged lawmakers to focus on the impact of their activities, including laws that address real challenges, budgets that deliver visible development, oversight that improves performance, and representation that restores public confidence in government.
He reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with the National Assembly in pursuit of security, economic renewal, social justice, and shared prosperity under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Congratulating the leadership of the National Assembly for consistently organising the Open Week, he expressed hope that the programme would deepen public trust, strengthen democratic accountability, and enhance citizen engagement in governance.
He also urged participants to ensure that recommendations from the three-day event are reflected in future legislative priorities and stronger mechanisms for sustained public participation in governance.
The Osun State Governorship Election, scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026, comes on the heels of the June 20, 2026 Governorship election in Ekiti State. Fourteen (14) political parties are fielding candidates, including the incumbent governor.
