Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed concern over the diminishing role of the national assembly, describing it as “gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be”.
In a statement released on Democracy Day, Saraki highlighted the systemic challenges facing the legislative arm of government.
He warned that the national assembly’s powers are being eroded, noting that it is no longer functioning as a truly independent and effective institution.
Saraki accused both the executive and judiciary of playing “significant roles in undermining” the national assembly.
The former senate president cited the various ways the interference manifests, including the executive’s involvement in the choice of leadership of the national assembly.
“From interference in its choice of leadership, misunderstanding its oversight role, and taking its occasional ‘No’ as being antagonistic, the national assembly has often come under unwarranted and systemic attack,” Saraki explained.
He called on members of the assembly to work diligently to strengthen and invigorate the institution.
Saraki said the national assembly’s agreement or disagreement with executive proposals should always prioritise national interest over personal or partisan agendas.
He warned that if the assembly becomes ineffective and unresponsive, citizens might resort to street protests, which could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“We all need to realise that by its nature, its role and character, the parliament is created to say the truth to power and scrutinize what the executive is doing,” he said.
“Sometimes, it will agree with the executive actions and proposals. Other times, it may disagree. One good thing is that its agreement or disagreement should always be in the protection of national interest not that of personal or partisan interest.
“The national assembly should continue to be open to the people who have grievances or opinions on issues to ventilate their views, whether rational, irrational, positive, or sometimes, negative.”