House of Representatives: Members commence two-week recess

The House of Representatives has commenced a two-week recess, effective immediately, and will reconvene for plenary sessions on November 19.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the news was disclosed by the House’s Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Jr, in a statement released on Monday.

Rotimi stated that “the recess is specifically designed to enable members of the House of Representatives to conduct thorough oversight of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and transparency on behalf of the Nigerian people.

“The break allows lawmakers to focus on critical oversight activities, scrutinizing the performance of government agencies and holding them accountable for their actions,” Rotimi stated.

He added that the decision was initially communicated to members through an announcement titled “Pre-Budget Oversight” during the plenary session on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, as declared by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

The speaker emphasized the importance of the current oversight period, stating, “as the year draws to a close, it is crucial for evaluating the performance of  MDAs, ensuring accountability and efficiency in the public sector, and upholding our responsibility to the Nigerian people.

“I strongly encourage all parliament members to approach this task with the gravity it warrants, ” Tajudeen asserted.

During the announcement, the Speaker stated the importance of utilizing the current period to enhance governance and uphold oversight responsibilities.

He also urged the MDAs to cooperate with visiting lawmakers, ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s Constitution and the House’s Standing Orders.

“This cooperation is crucial for effective oversight, enabling lawmakers to assess MDA performance, identify areas for improvement, and promote transparency and accountability,” the speaker said.

As reported by DailyTrust, “the Speaker formally requested that all MDAs provide unconditional cooperation to facilitate comprehensive evaluations, stating “I respectfully call upon all MDAs to extend their full cooperation, providing members with all necessary information and unfettered access to ensure thorough and meaningful assessments.”

According to Rep. Rotimi Jr., the schedule was further revised, as officially notified to members through a formal internal memo issued by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., Clerk of the House, acting upon the instruction of the House leadership.

The spokesperson of the House announced that the upcoming recess will only affect plenary sessions, while other essential legislative activities including constituency outreach, committee meetings, and essential consultations in preparation for the forthcoming budget sessions, will continue uninterrupted.

“The 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives reaffirms its unwavering dedication to upholding the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability, ensuring the effective address of the diverse needs and concerns of the Nigerian people.”

Know about House of Representative in Nigeria

The Nigerian House of Representatives, also known as the Green Chamber, is the lower chamber of Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly.

It was established in 1960, when Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. Initially had 320 members, increased to 360 in 1999.

It has 360 members who are elected in single-member constituencies using the plurality system, serving four-year terms.

The current Speaker of the House is Tajudden Abbas, who took office on June 13, 2023.

Leadership Structure of House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has a leadership structure that includes: the Speaker, Hon. Tajudden Abbas, the Deputy Speaker, Rep Benjamin Kalu, the Majority Leader, Rep Julius Ihonvbere, and the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda.

Party Composition of House of Representatives

The current party composition of the House includes the All Progressives Congress (APC) occupying 176 seats, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) occupying 118 seats, the Labour Party occupying 35 seats, the New Nigeria People’s Party occupying 19 seats, and others occupying 12 seats.

Responsibilities

The House of Rep is responsible for making laws, representing the interests of constituents, and exercising oversight over the executive branch.

They also have the power to approve or reject presidential appointments and budgets.

Powers and Functions

The House of Reps creates, amends, and repeals laws. It represents constituents’ interests and monitors executive branch and government agencies.

The House approves federal budgets and financial plans and approves presidential appointments (e.g., ministers, judges).

Committees

The House’s committee includes the Standing Committees (e.g., Appropriations, Education, Health), the Special Committees (e.g., Climate Change, Human Rights), and the Joint Committees (with Senate).

Membership Requirements

To become a member of the House of Rep, one must be a Nigerian citizen by birth or naturalization, be at least 30 years old, be a registered voter in the constituency, and not be convicted of certain crimes.

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