In a significant move within its continued drive for holistic and sustainable fight against corruption, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) extended its advocacy visits to the House of Representatives leadership. The delegation, led by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, presented policy briefs derived from the Two-Day Anti-Corruption Conference held in July, supported by the organization’s extensive research efforts to representatives of the House, led by Honourable (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader
During their visit to the House of Representatives, the HEDA delegation engaged with lawmakers, including Professor Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader of the National Assembly, Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Affairs and Spokesman of the House of Representatives, and Honourable Prince Kayode Akiolu, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption.
Suraju emphasized the significance of the legislative agenda, particularly in addressing contemporary corruption challenges. He advocated for a more strategic involvement of the legislative branch in anti-corruption discourse, underlining the need for the legislature to exercise oversight and maintain checks and balances over executive and judicial actions.
The anti-corruption advocate also called upon the House to collaborate with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders on issues pertaining to anti-corruption, accountability, climate change, and sustainable development.
Professor Julius, the House Leader, expressed the House’s appreciation to HEDA for its longstanding dedication to improved accountability and Nation-building. He further conveyed the current Assembly’s readiness to partner with Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to advance and implement its legislative agenda. He also revealed plans to establish a CSO office within the Assembly to enhance the engagement and promote people-oriented legislature; law making, oversight and budgeting.
Prof. Ihonvbere, on behalf of the team, committed to expediting the passage of accountability oriented bills passed by the 9th Assembly but was not accented to by the last administration, such as the Witness Protection, Assets Declaration Amendment, and Whistle-blower Bills. Suraju appreciated Hon. Amin Rotimi for facilitating the visit and assured the Parliamentarians of HEDA and other CSOs support in the promotion of good governance and probity in public offices.
