Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, on Monday urged lawyers to develop legislative practice as a specialized area within the legal profession.

Dogara made the call at the inauguration of the ‘Forum of Lawyers in the Nigerian Legislature’ in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the speaker was represented at the occasion by Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (Abia-PDP).

Dogara said that formation of the association of lawyers working in the legislature was crucial in ensuring greater contribution of lawyers to the country’s legislative business.

He said this would improve not only the quality of motions and bills in the National and State Assemblies but also the legislative process needed to develop the country.

He said that the association would also foster greater cooperation and integration among lawyers in the legislature for enhanced productivity in the country’s parliament.

“The essence of this forum is for us to develop to the next level what we call legislative practice.

“It is not common in Nigeria but in other climes, legislative practice is one of the most important in legislative sector,”

Dogara said that if there was inadequate legislative practice, “the type of law that will be enacted may not serve the interest of the country.”

In his remarks, a former member of the Senate and Convener of the forum, Sen. Ita Enang, urged lawyers to guide lawmakers appropriately toward s enriched bills.

Enang, who was Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business in the 7th National Assembly, tasked lawyers in the legislature to use the forum as platform for constant review of their performances in legislative functions. (NAN)

•Photo shows Mr. Dogara