House Committee Accuses MDAs of Evading Summons

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Hon. Bitrus Kwamoti Laori, has accused various ministries, agencies, and departments (MDAs) of obstructing its efforts to address public complaints. During a retreat organized by the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja, Laori stated that some MDAs only respond to summons after threats of arrest.

Since the start of the 10th legislative session, the committee has received 890 petitions, with 200 attended to and 70 resolved by the Lower Chamber. Laori emphasized the committee's commitment to accountability and public confidence in democratic governance, noting that the increasing volume of petitions reflects citizens' trust.

The retreat aimed to identify priority actions for enhancing the committee's effectiveness in its final year. Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, highlighted the committee's significance in addressing human rights issues without requiring legal fees, making it accessible to ordinary Nigerians.