Reps to amend rules to accommodate e-petitions soon – Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said the 10th House will commence the process of amending its Standing Orders to allow Nigerians send their petitions through electronic platforms.

He said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the newly digitalised hearing room of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and unveiling of the PAC News, a quarterly magazine of the committee.

He said this transformative step will be first of its kind in Nigeria and will enable more efficient, transparent, and accessible petition procedures, allowing citizens to engage with the legislative process more effectively.

Abbas said by integrating ICT, the House aims to ensure that every voice can be heard and considered promptly, thus reinforcing dedication to a responsive and accountable governance system that truly serves the interests of the Nigerian people.

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He expressed commitment to legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people by investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating technological capabilities.

The speaker urged the Public Accounts Committee to continue the exemplary work in the pursuit of transparency and accountability.

He said the PAC News Magazine will foster a sustained relationship with the media, civil society, and stakeholders, ensuring that the work of the House and PAC are accessible and understandable to a broader audience.

He said it will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned, as well as preserving the digital footprints of the committee’s oversight activities to guide future endeavours.

He described them as milestones which  symbolise their continuous commitment to enhancing accountability and transparency in the country.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on PAC, Bamidele Salam, said the launch of the digitalized hearing room and unveiling of The PAC News are in its quest to support the 10th House’s vision of an open parliament and citizens’ engagement.