Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has stressed the need to rebuild public trust and confidence in the governance system in Africa. Abbas who spoke while presiding over one of the technical sessions of the 18th Commonwealth Speakers’ and Presiding Officers’ Conference (CSCOP) in Yaoundé, Cameroon said there was a huge trust deficit between citizens and governments of the African countries.
He said deliberate efforts must be made to increase public trust in government. He said: “The topic for this first plenary session couldn’t have come at a better time than now when there is a huge trust deficit between citizens and government. This trust deficit contributes a lot to the much-talked-about democratic backsliding. To reverse this trend requires public trust in governmental institutions.
“The people we represent, our constituents, rely on us to uphold the principles of democracy, to safeguard their interests, and to promote their welfare. Thus, openness, transparency and accountability are not mere buzzwords but essential pillars upon which we can build a resilient democracy that serves the needs and aspirations of our people.”
Speaker Abbas said the conference highlights Africa’s ambitious aspiration and goals, which he said were well captured in the concepts of “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive Growth and sustainable development, a high standard of living, quality of life and well-being for all citizens and well educated citizens and skills revolution underpinned by science, technology and innovation.”
The Speaker said the conference was a reminder of “the profound responsibility bestowed upon us as trustees, delegates and custodians of democracy.” He stressed that the trust of the public is the foundation upon which the legislatures stand, and it is the duty of legislators to “protect and nurture this trust through our actions and commitments.” He maintained that the people they represent have entrusted them with the responsibility of ensuring that the government remains accountable to them.