Kano State Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged legal practitioners to liaise with members of the Legislature and contribute to lawmaking to reduce gaps at implementation.
The leader of the caucus, Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano state), spoke during a courtesy visit by members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Doguwa said that in spite of the experience of members of the National Assembly, there were still gaps which only a close working relationship with lawyers could fill.
“Those of us that are here, we are called lawmakers but while we are making laws, definitely we will expect fine and brilliant brains like you to be helping us.
“At all levels of legislation, we have a very critical point or window that we call public hearing.
“Apart from public hearing, members of the House also do have their constituency offices in their respective local governments.
“There are several other windows through which you can reach out to your representatives as professionals.
”Especially legal professionals, and you will have a lot to contribute to our performance here as members representing the greater and larger canon,” he said.
Doguwa said that such collaboration would ensure near perfection in the laws made by the legislature.
The lawmaker said that at a time when constitutional review process was ongoing in the National Assembly, it was an opportunity for lawyers to contribute.
“I do this with all sense of humility and respect for the profession, but I charge you people to also promptly interface and continue to collaborate with this caucus by way of giving us some of your insight, how you look at some of the legislations.
“The PIA, for instance, which was passed into law in 2021, is now subject of a lot of contemplations and controversy.
“Where do you think we have gaps? Where do you think we would have to come and make contributions?
“So it is only on this basis that your contribution that you give to us can be able to also make a difference,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the chapter, Ms Bilkisu Suleman, informed the lawmakers that FIDA is an international body of professional lawyers who offer free legal services to less privileged, support services and advocacy.
She said the aim of the visit was to ensure that legal access to justice is promoted.