The lawmakers have blamed the news media for their troubles, criticising alleged sensational reporting that celebrates any ill that arises from the green chamber
Reps to review conduct against poor public image
The incoming House of Representatives inaugurated Monday is to issue fresh code of conduct for its members, in an ambitious attempt to counter its worst public perception in decades, occasioned by series of scandals in the past four years.
In an unprecedented move, the new speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, named a seven-member committee on Tuesday to review laid down regulations for the 360 members, a day after acknowledging as he was sworn in, that the chamber failed and needed a new chapter.
"We acknowledge that the dignity and integrity of this honourable House have been called to question. We must possess the humility that commands introspection. We accept responsibility for our failures and ask Nigerians for forgiveness," he had said in his acceptance speech as the new speaker.
As the new leader of the legislature, Mr Tambuwwal faces a chamber strewn with unresolved allegations of fraud which lasted since 2007 and has landed former speaker, Dimeji Bankole, in court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday filed a 16-count charge against Mr Bankole over alleged scam.
Series of scandals
Scandals after scandals, frequent chaotic sessions, bare brawls between members and somewhat ineffective lawmaking, have haunted the assembly for years, earning it a brash public verdict as a team that draws extraordinary overhead, while delivering little.
For the most part, the lawmakers have blamed the news media for their troubles, criticising alleged sensational reporting that celebrates any ill that arises from the green chamber.
Still, a series of in-house scandals have remained uninvestigated, and if probed, do not get published for years.
Mr Tambuwal, himself a prominent member in the outgoing session having served as the deputy chief whip says he wants that public viewpoint changed.
"In political public relations," he said, "shaping perception to promote political harmony has assumed universal application. In our country, in the last 12 years of our return to constitutional democracy, the legislative arm of government has had a less impressive perception in the public domain.
"We must recognise one common truth - we are the people's representatives. We, therefore, have a duty to reverse this trend through actions and performances within the context of our defined roles provided for in the constitution." He called for new partnership with the media, pledging that the House will commence "a new era responsibility".
Details of the new committees are not yet clear, except that the code of conduct of members - which forms the law book of its Ethics and Privileges committee - will be reviewed and recommendations made to the House.
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