Yakubu Dogara
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said that though the nation has experienced about two decades of civil rule, some are yet to come to terms with the reality of the pivotal role of the legislature in a democracy.
This, he stated in Kaduna Saturday, at a retreat organized for members of the House of Representatives press corps.
Dogara, while giving his address, also highlighted certain factors responsible for the seemingly insufficient understanding of the roles and duties of the legislature, such as the long period of military rule.
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“Almost two decades after Nigeria returned to civil rule, it still appears that we are still having a hangover of military rule as some are yet to come to terms with the reality of the pivotal place and role of the legislature in a democracy. We urge the media to help in sensitizing Nigerians on the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the legislature in democracy,” the Speaker argued.
He urged the media to partner with the National Assembly in order to correct the situation and called on media practitioners to imbibe values such as objectivity and constructive criticism.
“The legislature is the institution that represents and protects democracy without which we will have a dictatorship. Thus, the mass media should partner with us to deepen democracy, check abuses in government and enthrone rule of law and transparency in our polity. In doing this, we don’t expect you to sing our praises but give us fair, balanced reportage and constructive criticism of our activities.”
“Objectivity should be the soul of the business of the press, especially when reporting the Legislature. It is important that the happenings and events in the Legislature are properly reported to avoid public backlash that could cause discontent and misunderstanding of the intents of the Legislature at any given situation.”
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