Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organizations (BASNEC) says it is committed to promote transparent legislative process and citizens’ participation in the process in line with global best practices.
BASNEC Chairperson, Mr. John Jinjiri Garba disclosed this when he lead executive council of the group on a courtesy visit to the Bauchi State House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Mr. Garba said, “Citizens across the world have been demanding opportunities to exercise their democratic rights to participate in governance decisions that affect them beyond election of legislative representatives.”
“This participation is at the core of the openness agenda, it does not aim to reduce or replace the functions of the parliamentarians but to enhance them,” Mr. Garba affirms.
BASNEC commended the efforts of the Speaker and other members of the Assembly for their unwavering determination to operate a transparent legislative process which in turn earned them trust and confidence from the populace.
“We appreciate the efforts you and your team has been doing in making sure that the legislative process is open to citizens to understand the processes of decision making and to contribute their voices to these decision making processes”, he added.
The Chairperson presented a modus operandi of the CSOs aimed at promoting open legislation in the State, which he says will track bills in the state house of assembly for accountability and transparency.
Mr. Jinjiri said the essence was to create awareness on bills and legislative processes and support resources mobilisation towards implementation of the passed bills.
BASNEC urged the Speaker to consider giving back to the CSOs a desk office as approved by the 7th Assembly which was not implemented to date.
Responding, Speaker of the Assembly, Abubakar Y Sulaiman thanked the group for the visit, saying the house was determined to promote awareness on its activities in the state.
Hon Abubakar Y Sulaiman assured the group that the Assembly was ready to partner with them in moving the State forward.
