The ongoing dispute involving Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha has begun to subside but has sparked considerable discussion. This situation calls for an examination of whether the Senate, indeed, the entire Nigerian National Assembly, might be deviating from its intended purpose.
No parliament worldwide can claim immunity from scandals, yet the capability to implement an ethical code is what distinguishes many of them.
The constitutional mandate stipulates that Nigeria’s National Assembly should not merely serve as a venue for backroom negotiations or house sycophants and political operatives. Instead, it ought to function as a platform for robust debates and significant decision-making.
Although there can be no denying certain accomplishments and advancements achieved by Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, these pale in comparison to the credibility lent to accusations suggesting that many members act as sycophants and mere echo chambers for the Executive branch. This has led to an environment rife with unyielding disputes, scandals, and corrupt practices within the assembly.
It was Former Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah who recently brought attention to the financial difficulties faced by certain Nigerian legislators after they left office. He disclosed that many of them grapple with meeting fundamental needs such as covering tuition fees for their children’s education.
Na’Allah stressed that the appealing image linked to the National Assembly doesn’t match the truth. He mentioned, “Many entered the National Assembly thinking it was a way to get rich, but soon found out they would likely leave much poorer.”
According to author Robert V. Remini, ‘political power attracts corruption, the distribution of funds tempts those who are vulnerable, corrupted, and prideful individuals who believe they can avoid being caught.’
Hence, our esteemed Distinguished and Honourable members ought to prominently exhibit their resolve and authoritative demeanor to foster a rejuvenated legislative body capable of shaping ongoing national policies.
They must show that even as members may lash out at one another, underneath the turmoil stirred up by political upheavals, free from pretenses, these sympathies which do not confuse people but instead uphold noble human values, stay untouched.
Henry Adams, a historian, remarked, “Congress lacks efficiency and appears increasingly incapable of handling the immense responsibilities thrust upon it, given its current structure.”
The NASS leadership ought to reinforce its autonomy from the Executive instead of becoming more subdued. Leaders must vigilantly protect against any intrusion by the President. Back in the early 1960s, during a speech before the U.S. House of Representatives, President John F. Kennedy stated, “I would now like to discuss the Rules Committee.” To which Speaker Sam Rayburn forcefully slammed his hand on the desk and retorted, “No sir, this is House matters…the White House has absolutely no place interfering here.”
The NASS organization follows a structured hierarchy with distinct customs and regulations. For legislators aiming for success within this framework, it’s crucial to understand that accessibility equates to influence. Members should strive diligently, focus on specific areas of expertise, complete all necessary preparations thoroughly, maintain consistent presence during sessions, hold back from speaking until fully informed, actively engage in committee activities, contribute constructively throughout proceedings, familiarize themselves with parliamentary protocols, and approach fellow members courteously without harboring ill will.
Sam Rayburn, a previous US Speaker, once stated, “A congressman should always remember his district,” a principle some lawmakers seem to neglect as evidenced by their failure to regain seats in our National Assembly. Often this absence can be attributed either to negligence of duties or poor handling of constituents, leading voters to refrain from sending them back unless through underhanded arrangements.
The chairmen of committee positions undoubtedly hold significant influence; however, true authority stems from the Senate President or House Speaker. Typically, remarks made during debates do not sway votes individually. Mastering the skill lies in the ability to find common ground, learning how to express dissent without becoming overly contentious. Without this finesse, certain legislation might be approved before all representatives fully grasp their implications. Numerous legislators cast ballots on proposals they have yet to review thoroughly. Instead, they follow prevailing trends.
In our National Assembly, are there enough bills being proposed, and if so, how many of these fail within committee stages?
As former U.S. House Speaker Tip O’Neill put it, politics is the skill of reinventing ideas. Through relentless perseverance or strong political allegiance, individuals can ascend and exert influence far beyond what might be expected statistically.
Nevertheless, the question persists: Are national assembly members meant to serve others or be served themselves? Do we have to keep questioning whether these lawmakers are truly having an impact on the everyday lives of average Nigerians?
US President James Madison once said, “The primary purpose of any political constitution should be to ensure that leaders have the greatest ability to understand what is wise and act with integrity to serve the collective well-being of society. Additionally, it must include effective measures to maintain this goodness among those holding public office.”
Hence, our democratic system keeps progressing. In the annals of Nigeria’s legislative history—both as they stand now and how they may be recounted later—it should be noted that the stature of the National Assembly has grown. This elevation is essential because Nigerian citizens aspire to receive nothing less than excellence from their elected representatives. These lawmakers carry a distinct honor in serving their nation; therefore, they must continually be made aware of their duties during this comparatively short window to create significant change.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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