In a move aimed at enforcing accountability and efficiency within Parliament, Speaker Anita Among has issued a directive for the re-assigning of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the transfer of staff who failed to attend an important induction training at Serena Hotel-Kigo.
Addressing the issue during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, Speaker Among expressed disappointment over the low turnout saying those that missed didn’t provide satisfactory explanations.
Out of the 90 MPs invited, only 50% attended the training session, causing what she termed as “nugatory expenditure” to the Parliamentary Committee.
“The failure of MPs and staff to attend the training has resulted in wasteful expenditure, which is unacceptable,” remarked Speaker Among. “If we cannot be accountable to ourselves, how can we demand accountability from others?” she questioned
Speaker Among highlighted the importance of MPs being well-prepared to fulfill their legislative duties, especially within accountability committees such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Central and the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE).
“As Parliament, we should lead by example in matters of accountability. Therefore, those who are not willing to participate effectively in these committees will be reassigned,” she stated firmly.
The Speaker further directed the Clerk to Parliament to transfer staff who neglected to attend the workshop to other committees, specifically mentioning Rules, HIV/AIDS, and Equal Opportunities, while urging MPs who are committed to their responsibilities to step up and take their place in accountability committees.