By Henry Umoru

ABUJA – Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to oversight, describing it as the foundation of democratic governance.

According to Jibrin, oversight ensures accountability, transparency, and essential checks and balances, which contribute to the effective use of public funds.

Speaking at the University of Ibadan during the 7th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 75th posthumous birthday commemoration of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Jibrin, also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasized the legislature’s vital role as the government’s watchdog. He highlighted that it plays a crucial part in holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring the interests of the people are served.

The roundtable, organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, focused on the theme, “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

Jibrin stated, “The role of legislative oversight in a democratic society cannot be overemphasized. It is the bedrock of democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and necessary checks and balances that enhance the effective use of public funds.”

He added, “Through oversight functions, the legislature has the power to investigate government activities, evaluate policies, and monitor the implementation of government programs and activities for which funds have been appropriated.”

Addressing the challenges and prospects of legislative oversight, Jibrin assured Nigerians that the 10th Assembly is committed to its duties and invited constructive critique of its activities.

He also commended the SAAF for preserving the legacy of the late Governor Ajimobi through the annual roundtable, noting that the topic was timely and would prompt reflection on the legislature’s role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

In response to questions from discussants, Jibrin explained the rationale behind naming the National Assembly Library after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said, “We decided to name the National Assembly Library after President Tinubu because he is the first former Senator to be elected as President. His history as a senator, along with his wife, who was also a senator, deserved appreciation.”

On the issue of refineries, Jibrin confirmed that several National Assembly committees had been set up to oversee the operations and ensure that appropriated funds were used properly. He mentioned that the Port Harcourt Refinery had started operations, and the Warri Refinery would soon follow. He also expressed pride in the Dangote Refinery project, noting that the National Assembly had visited the site before it began operations.

Regarding power supply, Jibrin acknowledged the long-standing challenges but emphasized that the government had designed measures to address them, calling the efforts “a work in progress.”