Democracy Strongest When Citizens Are Involved – Speaker Abbas Declares at National Roundtable
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized that democracy thrives best when citizens are actively involved in governance, not just heard. He made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the second edition of the Citizens’ Roundtable hosted by the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives.
The high-profile event brought together key government functionaries including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. Also in attendance were former Speakers Hon. Patricia Etteh and Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, along with civil society groups and concerned citizens.
Speaker Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the commitment of the House to deepening public participation and transparency in legislative processes.
“Democracy is strongest when the people are not only heard but fully involved,” he declared, underscoring the importance of inclusive governance.
He described the roundtable as a moment for “dialogue, reflection, and mutual learning,” stressing that it reaffirmed the House’s dedication to a people-focused agenda. The Speaker said that platforms such as this roundtable are crucial for a legislature that not only works for the people but works with them.
“We believe that laws must reflect the values and realities of the people they are meant to serve. Governance must be transparent, inclusive, and accountable. Above all, the people must remain at the centre of our democratic process,” Abbas stated.
Speaker Abbas also highlighted that citizens’ participation is enshrined in the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House, promising continued engagement through accessible and open platforms.
In his remarks, Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, represented by the Minority Leader, praised the event as a milestone in the mid-term of the 10th House. He emphasized that citizens’ voices remain essential to shaping effective legislation and guiding national development.
“We believe that open dialogues, constructive criticism, and the free exchange of ideas are essential for guiding national leadership toward progress and prosperity,” he said.
Participants raised several questions regarding legislative oversight, policy direction, and constituency engagement. The lawmakers responded with assurances of continued transparency and a people-first approach. Many attendees commended the 10th House for its unprecedented effort in prioritizing direct engagement with citizens.
The roundtable concluded with a renewed call for sustained dialogue between lawmakers and the public, reinforcing the House’s commitment to a participatory, inclusive, and responsive democratic process.
