BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
House of Peoples Representatives and House of Federation are two highest summits in the Ethiopian government organization structure, and they are the top decisive bodies. Their coming closer and consultation on various national issues helps draw important lessons from one another in a bid to come up with effervescent ways to make sound decisions centring their engagement domain.
Earlier this week, the federal and state house speakers held a two-day joint forum at Lalibela town, North Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State. House of Peoples’ Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chafo and that of the House of Federation, Adem Farah chaired the forum.
In his opening speech at the event, Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) said over the past two and half years, the two federal Houses were under institutional reform that enables them to carry out their constitutional responsibility effectively.
Amhara Regional State Council Speaker, Worksemu Mamo also presented a welcoming speech following the opening message of the speaker of the House of Peoples Representative.
According to the report of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the main focus of the join Speakers’ forum was thoroughly discussing the five-year strategic plan of the House which was presented by Dr. Henok Seyoum, Deputy Secretary General of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Secretariat Office.
During the discussion, Dr. Henok presented the details of the strategic plan which is expected to be operational in the coming five years from 2014 to 2018 Ethiopian Calendar (2021/22 to 2025/26). He also elaborated the need to develop such a comprehensive strategic plan to properly address a number of questions forwarded from general public.
As to him, the plan predominantly centres on the major constitutional mandates of the House of Peoples’ Representatives instead do focusing on details. “It will also use as a starting point for the House to prepare annual plans in the aforementioned years,” he indicated.
The strategic plan also focuses on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations with a range of continental and international organizations, he said, adding that it is very crucial to participate in International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and in other continental and regional parliamentary unions and play a leading role.
In this regard, being an active participant in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development – International Parliamentary Union (IGAD-IPU), Pan African Parliament (PAP), African Parliaments Union (APU), as well as Joint Parliamentary Assembly of African, Caribbean, Pacific – European Union (ACP-EU), and in other multilateral diplomatic forums is one of the key directions of the plan, he further elaborated.
Discussing the plan in detail, the speakers have expressed that that it is of paramount importance in assessing many crucial areas and identify the shortcomings and strengths to further push the development of the nation. According to them, the plan is very conducive and it takes all circumstances into account.
The speakers also emphasized that it is important to identify issues in the strategic plan that need to be revised and swot them by collecting inputs from annual performance appraisals which is carried out every year by the Members of the Parliament (MPs).
In his closing remarks, House Speaker Tagesse Chaffo said, “If we do actual work, and are capable of effectively discharge all our responsibilities as required, there is no challenge that could be out of our control as we can easily overcome obstacles and hurdles.”
He also urged the regional council speakers and officials at all levels to focus on tangible outcomes instead of being obsessed with exaggerated reports. He noted that the public would not benefit out of empty promises and exaggerated reports, adding that the usual false reports and homemade performances have to be unconcerned and tangible statements reflecting the reality on the ground should be made to the public.
In particular, the exaggerated reports that have been made in the past few years not only affected the image of the country and the people but also saddened and bored them, as to him.
He insisted that when they are in power, speakers and other government officials of all levels should do concrete things that are to be remembered and passed down from generation to generation.
In many countries, low-performing executives relinquish their authority and leave their office before a public complaint is heard, he said adding, if we adapt the same experience in our country, it will create a sense of responsibility among actors.
In a related issue, the joint forum of women’s caucus of the federal parliament and councils of regional states was held at Lalibela, North Wollo of Amhara regional state. In her opening speech, Shitaye Minale, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, said that Women’s Caucus of the House has been running many activities. It has also been providing supports by mobilizing funds to victims of various natural and manmade tragedies.
She said that there is a need to work hard to increase the participation of women in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the House of Federation, and regional state councils in this year’s general national elections.
She also urged that women’s caucus of both federal parliament and regional state councils should strive to be a voice for the voiceless children, youth and women.
Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Abebayie Gezahegn on her part noted that the main aim of the caucus is ensuring the participation of women and to make them equal beneficiaries. She said, “To assure this, in addition to such a telling joint forums, our caucus aims at identifying regional states where women’s caucuses are not strong enough to consolidate their organization and capacity to run activities.”
Regarding support provision to the needy, Abebayie reported that more than 68.8 million birr was solicited in kind and in cash and distributed fairly to about 10,000 citizens affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, flood catastrophe as well as conflicts in various parts of the country.
Speakers of Councils of Oromia and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) regional states, and Dire Dawa City Administration praised the works of women’s caucus of the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
In her closing remarks, Deputy House Speaker Shitaye Minale said, “It is unavoidable and normal to have differences regarding points of views. Though we have followed varied political ideologies and views, we have to come together and consolidate our unity to make engagements leading us to a successful common goal or benefit.”
As to her, as women have many commonalities that go beyond politics, they must work together for their common good and move in unison to make their visions a reality.
It is also necessary to work together with pertinent political parties on issues that ensure the participation and benefits of women, she noted.
She also indicated that even though we are left with a short time to conduct the upcoming national general election, efforts should be made to enable women in each and every constituency to compete in large numbers and proficiently.
Abeba Yosef, chairperson of Women, Youth and Social Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives on her part said every woman is expected to work hard to increase their political participation in the country, which has now accounted for 38.8 per cent.
The Ethiopian Herald January 31/2021
