Why 10th National Assembly should not be a rubber stamp
One common feature tagged with the 9th National Assembly is the brandished label of being a “rubber stamp.” Although the standard expectation for modern democracy of has normalised the necessity for checks and balance among the three arms of government for effective delivery of governance, the posture of the 9th National Assembly, as widely adjudged, fell short of expectation of proper scrutiny in its oversight functions. Nigerians and observers saw more of an Assembly at the mercy of the Presidency. Largely, all requests put before the Assembly from the Presidency were almost one of automatic endorsement.
From appointments, to legislation, up to financial dealings, ratification of requests were mostly of taking-a-bow reflection, receiving free hand endorsement even when questionings were a necessity. Of loud reflection was the routine approval for loans even when it appeared the country was sliding into debt trap. The profile of the Country’s public debt is feared to have risen as high as N80 trillion with the Country feared to be sliding into debt mire. Yet, at the very tail end of the last administration, approval of ridiculous loan requests including those of the Ways and Means N22.7 trillion loan request to be sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) barely three weeks to the end of the administration, were roving round. Consideration for another loan to the tune of $800million from the World Bank, was a development that generated reactions.
On Tuesday, a new development toppled the legislative lane of the Country as the 10th National Assembly was inauguarated. The Assembly members in their election came with the choice of Senator Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Sen. Jubrin Barau and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for the seats of the Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker, respectively, to lead the upper and lower chambers of the Assembly respectively.
However, the most important reflection should be one of how the chambers would perform their statutory role, meeting the sacred standard of the democratic framework. This cannot be less in perspective, particularly at a time the nation is at a critical stage of redemptive state to avoid a catastrophic collapse.
Upon inauguration, the duo of the Senate President and Abbas had made promises. Akpabio had noted that, “It is time now to go forward with the task set before us as a collective body – the promulgation of laws and enactments for the well-being and security of the Country and as a check on the executive arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in our oversight functions.”
On the focus of the 10th Senate, he had hinted that, “Government is a continuum and the Senate is no less so. We shall, therefore, further strengthen the legislative space in continuation of the laudable efforts made by the 9th Senate under the able leadership of H.E. Senator Ahmed Lawan, GCON, President of the 9th Senate. Chief among these are:
“Gender matters, with specific affirmative provisions to guarantee women’s inclusivity; Issues relating to persons with special needs and equality; Engaging, empowering and rewarding our resourceful and innovative youths in terms of protection of intellectual innovations and property, and improved access to finance for technological start-ups.
“We must recognise and prepare for a mid-21st century global economy that places a premium on intellectual content and knowledge, and our young men and women must be supported to engage competitively; Expansion of the revenue streams available to the Country, especially from our huge but largely unregulated natural and solid mineral resources base. These additional sources of revenue will build the nation’s resilience to shocks and stresses resulting from the fluctuation of oil prices in the international market.
“We will, as a forward-looking Senate, pass laws that emphasise economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs.”
On Abbas’ part, though he said Nigerians should await the directional pattern of the 10th House in the coming weeks, he had hinted that the House would promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises and that they would diversify Nigeria’s economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth.
“In a few weeks, we shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House of Representatives. We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislation that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.
“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability,” he had said.
In all, it is of significant necessity that the 10th National Assembly be guided in their dealings, not just parading to have national interest at heart, but having the reverberating resonance that the Country is at the verge of collapse, hence demanding resuscitation. This should speak loud in their conduct as they carry out their statutory role in oversight functions, in ratification, legislation enactment, among other sacred purposes. The unstructured patterns of the legislative chamber of the past has cost the nation huge losses, it is high time the 10th Assembly changed the perspective.
The need for the lawmakers to work in unity of purpose in this redemptive quest of the nation cannot be overemphasied.
Akpabio in his inaugural speech had said: “Together, we shall reach and surpass the expectations of the Nigerian people regarding us, and our roles in building a better, safer, more inclusive, prosperous, efficient and ethical country.
“I assure you, distinguished Senators, that I am mindful of the enormous responsibilities that this position calls for. You will have my cooperation in all matters and our joint efforts will be one of teamwork. I extend my sincere hands of fellowship to all of us, including those who, at a time, may have had different opinions regarding the leadership of the Senate.
“These expressions of differing and opposing opinions and views are but the fabric that democracy is made of. Democracy, ultimately, has to do with choice, and there can be no real choice where and when there are no alternatives.
“It is time now to go forward with the task set before us as a collective body – the promulgation of laws and enactments for the well-being and security of the Country and as a check on the executive arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in our oversight functions.
“We must, therefore, as a Senate, rise to partner with His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and provide the required legislative framework and legal environment for him to anchor the policies and programmes that he espouses for the Country.
“In doing this, I will particularly like to address our Distinguished colleagues from other parties. Yes, we may have come to the National Assembly through the instrumentalities of different political parties, so it is appropriate to recognise and respect our differing perceptions and positions on issues that will be brought before this chamber.
“However, in all matters of national interest, we are enjoined to remember that we are first and foremost, Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before our roles as representatives and members of our individual political parties. There is, therefore, every reason to support good policies and programmes of the Federal Government, and I call on you to put this national interest first at all times.”
It is more essential that the lawmakers live to operate in the oneness of national interest if the Country would be salvaged from her current mess. Although, the leadership politicking may have fractioned the members into blocs, yet those narrow interest are never rational enough to defy the alarming trump for a national cry to salvage the nation from the woes which have become too much a burden that must be carried concertedly. This can only be achieved by running in unity of purpose.
