House Committee Accuses MDAs of Evading Summons

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Hon. Bitrus Kwamoti Laori, has alleged that several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are obstructing its efforts to address public complaints. During a retreat organized by the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja, Laori stated that the committee has received 890 petitions since the beginning of the 10th legislative session, with 200 petitions attended to and 70 resolved.

He emphasized the committee's role in ensuring accountability in public institutions and maintaining public confidence in democratic governance. Laori noted that the increasing volume and complexity of petitions reflect the public's trust in the committee.

The retreat aimed to identify priority actions for enhancing the committee's effectiveness and citizen engagement in the final year of the 10th National Assembly. Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, highlighted the committee's significance in addressing human rights issues without requiring legal fees from citizens.