British Council, CRSHA Engage 5 Schs On Legislative Internship

BY ARCHIBONG EYO, CALABAR – Amidst growing misunderstanding of the Legislative arm of government in the public space, Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) and the British Council have moved to expose students at the secondary schools’ level to parliamentary workings and functions.

Packaged as a two-week internship programme, sponsored by the British Council, five model schools have already been selected for the pilot scheme aimed at giving the youth first hand contact and understanding of legislative activities.

The institutions picked for legislative internship are West African People’s Institute (WAPI); University of Calabar International School; Government Secondary School, Atu; Pinn Margaret Secondary Commercial School, Atakpa; and Government Girls Secondary School, Henshaw Town.

With the first phase of the internship scheduled to end on August 11, 2017, the students would be treated to a wide range of responsibilities placed on the Legislative Branch of government, which includes making laws. Its powers include passing laws, handling appropriation bill; originating spending bills; impeaching officials; confirming political appointees and approving policies of the executive arm of government.

Receiving the interns at the Assembly complex, Deputy Clerk, Mr Emmanuel Erim gave them insights on the House composition; its various departments, and their functions as well as key functionaries of the Parliament.

Erim, who assured the students of a beneficial work environment during their period of internship, urged them to be studious and pay attention to details in order to acquire additional knowledge and experience for their future studies.

Also conducting the students round the Assembly Complex, the Administrative Officer, Barrister John Odu took them through the workings and responsibilities of the legislature as well as functions of the various House committees.

The students were also given induction on issues of legislative ethics; comportment and composure of the Assembly’s members and staff; and how they are expected to conduct themselves within the Assembly complex during the internship programme.