Former Nigerian Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has revealed the motivation behind establishing a forum for former legislative members. In an interview on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics,” Dogara explained that the primary objective is to reunite former lawmakers and utilize their parliamentary training for the nation’s benefit.
Many former members, Dogara noted, have acquired valuable skills and knowledge from institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford, but these assets are often underutilized after they leave the National Assembly. To address this, the forum aims to bring together former legislators, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, state assembly members, and even local government counselors.
The forum’s establishment is intended to promote advancement, development, and progress by tapping into the collective experience and expertise of its members. Dogara emphasized that the initiative is meant to be inclusive, with representatives from various levels of government, including at least one person from each of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
By creating this platform, former lawmakers can share their knowledge and work together to drive positive change. The forum’s launch marks an important step towards harnessing the skills and expertise of former legislative members, who can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development. As the country continues to navigate its development trajectory, the input of experienced lawmakers can provide valuable insights and guidance. The establishment of this forum highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving progress and advancement.