NASS GROSSLY MISUNDERSTOOD, SAYS RT. HON. GBAJABIAMILA AND PROF SULEIMAN 

Njideka Ozoalor

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof Abubakar Suleiman said on Monday that the National Assembly, like every other legislature in the world was grossly misunderstood.

While Gbajabiamila said some people deliberately misunderstand the parliament out of share political reasons, others do it out ignorance and the lack of interest in finding out the truth, Suleiman attributed it to lack of trust in the political system akong other reasons.

Both men spoke at a two day capacity building workshop for members of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

The Speaker also task Security agents currently investigating the disappearance of the Vanguard Reporter converting the House, Tordue Salem to ensure that he is found and reunited with his family as soon as possible.

He said ‘goes without saying that this committee plays a major role in the activities of the House as it is the intermediary between the House and the public. Your work goes a long way to shape the perception the public has of the House of Representatives and correct any misinformation that is in the public sphere.

“I took time out to actually look at the dictionary definition of media. If you look at that definition you will understand the importance and critical roles the House of Representatives has to play in defining or reframing the narrative of the House of Representatives, in giving direction to the legislature, in propelling policies of government and indeed, that is why many of you who practice in this field of endeavour, the institution is referred to as a 4th Estate of the Realm.

“The House of Representatives or the National Assembly in general, like every legislature in the world, is perhaps the most misunderstood institution in the world. Some of that misunderstanding is unintentional based simply on lack of knowledge, some of that misunderstanding is intentional and sometimes it is political.

“Some of that misunderstanding, unfortunately, is pure ignorance and lack of interest in finding out the truth.

“It therefore falls on the media committee to begin to educate the public and change the much needed narrative because we are not aware of the unforeseen consequences of what will happen when a small committee or an institution as the National Assembly is misunderstood or misjudged. It has the possibilities or the potential of snowballing into a larger and more dangerous effect on our democracy.

“That is why we shouldn’t look at this committee from the narrow prism of “this is the House Committee on Media”, but rather look at it as a committee that is so strategic to the survival of our democracy, not the survival of the National Assembly but the survival of democracy.

“We also work closely with the press corps of the House; they cover our activities and you provide them accurate information to help in curbing media speculations on the House’ activities.

“Before I continue with my speech, it has been mentioned already, but it’s worth mentioning again; I want to note that the Vanguard Newspaper reporter in the House of Representatives, Tordue Salem, who has been missing for some weeks now, is still yet to be found.

“I and indeed the House, have been in contact with the leadership of the Press Corps since the matter came to light. I want to encourage the security agencies not to relent in their efforts to locate Tordue and bring him back to his family. Anything that forces one, torches on all of us.”

Turning to the committee members, he said
“​Your committee works in a rapidly changing and highly volatile landscape. Today, with the rapidly evolving technological innovations, the media space has seen vast changes in the way the media operates and the channels information is transmitted through.

“This, among other reasons, highlights the necessity and the importance of a capacity building workshop for this committee. Looking through the topics that have been outlined for consideration in the course of the workshop, I am confident that this workshop will help provide a stimulating time for you all. I am also impressed with the list of experienced resource persons, who were clearly carefully selected for this programme”.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Benjamin Kalu said the 21st century media environment as dynamic and will continues to develop in novel, sometimes unanticipated ways that have serious consequences for democratic governance.

He said further that the New media has radically altered the way government institutions operate and the way that political leaders communicate and engage citizens, adding that the media today disseminates a tremendous amount of political content, most of which are trivial, unreliable, and polarizing.

Kalu stressed that the media’s watchdog role, hitherto performed by trained journalists and gatekeepers such as established mass media institutions, has evolved in the face of technological innovation, saying “today, every actor with a smartphone is able to disseminate information and frame political issues in their various spheres of influence.

“The press has been decentralized, with oftentimes destructive outcomes. But such is the price that we must pay for the beauty that is democracy and the exchange that we must uphold for freedom of speech- the inalienable right of every Nigerian.

“We have continued to engage with the Nigerian public through traditional and new media to clarify issues and ensure that every Nigerian can access firsthand
information on legislative activities. We have worked in lockstep with all the standing
committees of the House ensuring that we are, at all times, abreast of their oversight
activities to enable us adequately represent and defend the overall interest of the House.

“We have also advanced programs, as well as an environment, that serves to
promote public engagement, education, awareness, and reorientation including
periodic stakeholder roundtables; training, and capacity building for members of the press corps.

“While we must continue to hold the media accountable for an objective and balance reportage it is important to note that they face hazards in the line of duty and as such the parliament, especially the Committee which I oversee, will continue to see to their safety and improves remuneration for the profession.

“Only recently, Tordue Salem a reporter for Vanguard newspapers covering the House of Representatives went missing. The Media and Public Affairs Committee under the able Leadership of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will not rest on
its oars until our own is found.”

Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof.Abubakar Suleiman stressed the need for the National Assembly to develop a media and communication strategy in other to be able to communicate effectively with that Nigeria. People.

Prof Suleiman said that a study conducted by the institute on public perception of the legislature revealed that the legislature is the most misunderstood arm of government as a result of poor understanding of the role of the Legislature within a democratic context, improbable campaign promises, loss of confidence in politicians and the political system and poor or non existent communication strategy as well as rising cases of poverty and unemployment.