The Member Representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, and other members of the House of Representatives Parliamentary Friendship Group between Nigeria and the United States of America have called for the practice of politics driven by ideology across the world.
Hon. Atu made this call on Tuesday, during a programme with the Conservative-led Heritage Foundation, which was held in Washington, D.C., United States of America.
Addressing the press, Hon. Atu stated that ideology should shape political participation and programmes globally, especially in Africa and Nigeria, as this would help usher in leaders whose actions are consistently guided by their principles and long-term policy commitments.
“We cannot continue to operate political systems without ideological clarity. When leaders and parties are driven by ideas, not just power, it becomes easier to hold them accountable.”
“We are here to engage institutions like the Heritage Foundation because they offer a model of how ideological convictions can influence legislation and governance positively. Africa, and Nigeria in particular, needs that shift.”
On the visit to Washington, D.C., Hon. Atu explained that they were at the Heritage Foundation to explore areas of legislative collaboration between the United States Conservative Think Tank and Nigeria’s National Assembly. He noted that the Parliamentary Group is also scheduled to visit other political institutions in the U.S., including the Congress.
Addressing the Nigerian delegation, Dr. James Jay Carafano, the Senior Counselor to the President at the Heritage Foundation, noted that the visit came at an important time and would give both countries a chance to strengthen democratic values and share parliamentary experiences.
