Connect with us

Politics

10th Assembly and burden of getting Nigeria out of the woods

Published

on

By John Akubo, Abuja

After its inauguration on June 13, the 10th Senate adjourned until July 4. The resumption of legislative activities, earlier in the week, however, saw the emergence of new principal officers, signaling that the Red Chamber was now in full swing.
The immediate past ninth Senate passed over 500 bills, the highest number of Bills passed in the history of legislation in Nigeria. Of the lot, 131 were signed into law. But when it came to one of its major functions of being the watchdog over other arms of government, the Senate is widely believed to have suffered a huge setback in legislative oversight.

Key among some perceived gaps in oversight by the ninth National Assembly was how it enabled former President, Muhammadu Buhari to amass a record-breaking debt burden in eight years, while still granting approval for more in his last days in office. The Debt Management Office (DMO) put the total national debt at N46.25 trillion by December 2022. 
With the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate now off to work, Nigerians expect the members to get down to the onerous task of exercising supreme political authority on behalf of the people. The consensus among respondents was that the 10th Senate must not be a rubber-stamp for all actions and intents of the executive, especially arbitrary loan approval requests, in the national interest.
Nigerians yearn for a National Assembly (NASS) that can ensure economic recovery because of current hash economic realities. Having been through, perhaps, the worst in terms of insecurity, they want a National Assembly that will prioritise security so they can sleep with their two eyes closed.
The 10th Senate is not expected to go the way of the ninth in being exactly on the same page with the Bola Tinubu-led administration at all times, but to be serious in exercising its mandates for the benefit of the people. This is in addition to being able to hold the executive accountable in all its policies and actions 
“They are supposed to exercise control over those who run the government as decisions cannot be taken without the support of the parliament. The legislature is the highest forum of discussion and debate on public issues and national policy in any country, as it can seek information about any matter,” a policy analyst said.
One of the major setbacks observed in the Senate is the high turnover of senators, as a large percentage could not return to the 10th Senate, a development which respondents noted poses grave danger for institutional memory.


Tajudeen Abbas PHOTO: Twitter

On the other hand, one good thing that may work in favour of the 10th Senate, they observed, is the fact that the present executive may not be like its predecessor, given that President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia are all former parliamentarians, hence they have the knowledge of the workings of the parliament. 

A chieftain of the ruling APC, Senator Alex Kadiri differed on the rubber-stamp label of the ninth Senate, saying that Nigerians must understand democracy and how it works. 
Senator Kadiri, who represented Kogi East from 1999 to 2003, noted that, “The outcome of every election has repercussions. If you elect idiots, you will get idiotic representation. If you elect capable legislators, you will get good legislation. The party struggled to win majority of seats in the Assembly for a purpose; it is so that when the executive bring its bill, it will not have any difficulty in getting the bills passed. That is what people are calling rubber stamp, and it is a wrong nomenclature. The party controlling the executive will also control the majority of the House of Reps, the Senate and even the state Assemblies. 
“When Bukola Saraki was Senate President during President Muhammadu Buhari’s first tenure, Buhari could not push through all the things he wanted to do. But Akpabio and Tinubu are on the same page. I particularly like Akpabio because apart from being a senator he has been around for a very long time, he has been governor and minister; he has experience. I am sure he will do a good job.” 
Executive Director YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, on his part, opined that aside from its core function of lawmaking, legislative oversight and representation, the 10th National Assembly needs to be citizen or people- centered, and ensure that public interest takes precedence over personal, political or partisan interest.
“When you talk about lawmaking, Nigerians want to see the 10th National Assembly pass bills that will do three things; one to ensure economic recovery because Nigerians are going through hash economic conditions and so bills that will fix our economy are part of the priorities that Nigerians want to see. 
“They want to see a National Assembly that responds through legislative instruments to address issues around the economy. What do these entail, they entail proper scrutiny of the national budget; that it cannot adopt the approach that the 9th National Assembly adopted where there was no rigour and independent scrutiny of the budget of the executive. In that way, it can support the economy. 

“Tied to that is the need to address issues around budget padding, so we can stop waste of public funds. Second, the 10th National Assembly needs to prioritise its legislative oversight that holds the executive to account for the promises, prioritise security and refuse to be a rubber stamp of the executive. 
“Separation of powers is not separation of government but this 10th National Assembly has a duty to ensure that the Tinubu administration acts within the law; and in cases where they act ultra vires, they hold them to account.
“A situation where resolutions of the National Assembly are not respected or not implemented should stop; legislative compliance have to be taken seriously. Often, we see the National Assembly pass resolutions and motions and you hear the members of the executive say, they are mere persuasive resolutions and that they are not bound by those. No, they are bound by resolutions of the National Assembly. In cases where you have things like confirmation of appointment or invitation of ministers or government officials, the 10th National Assembly will need to ensure that any minister or any executive member that is summoned, must honour the summons and they must enforce their decisions,” Itodo said. 
Itodo frowned at situations where National Assembly members act in a way that does not put them in a good light with the executive. He cited such situation when they go cap in hand or instituting investigative hearing just as a way of blackmailing or getting members of the executive to play ball. 
“It needs to stop. If the 10th National Assembly needs the respect of the executive, it has to respect itself. This is why the National Assembly should fund its oversight functions. The executive, institutions, MDAs and parastatals should not be approached by the legislators to fund oversight. 
“On the issue of constituency development fund, the 10th National Assembly also needs to prioritise citizens engagement in defining and shouldering what constituency project goes to them.
“The NASS must also be transparent with the Nigerian people; it must start by sharing with the public, how lawmakers vote on bills, that will be critical in inspiring confidence in the 10th National Assembly. 
“The legislators are employees of the people. The people need to know how they vote on issues. We need transparency on the voting records on every bill passed at the National Assembly so that constituents will know how their legislators are making decisions and if the decision and vote by legislators are consistent with their will and aspirations. The public will also want to know how things like public hearings ensure public participation. 
“The late notification of public hearing should stop. That is why the National Assembly needs not just a policy framework but rules; standing rules for the conduct of public hearings, time frame must be announced, a standard communication infrastructure that ensures that there is an official mechanism for submission of Memoranda and the committee needs to carry the people along. 
“We need a more open and accessible 10th National Assembly. If they do all of these, they will not just elevate legislative governance, but contribute in no small measure to advancing democracy in Nigeria,” he stressed. 

For Executive Director, HallowMace Foundation Africa, Sunny Anderson Osiebe, the 10th National Assembly will carry on its shoulders enormous expectations from the people, hence, the need for the legislature to hit the ground running. “This is rightly so because Nigeria is currently positioned in such a way that its national unity is hanging on a thread. 
“The 10th NASS is coming at a time when Nigerians are facing excruciating economic situation, a time that the only subsidy known to Nigerians has been yanked off, a time that every part of the country is burdened by one security challenge or another, and a time when our religion instead of taking us closer to piety and humility, is seen as the root of our disunity. 
“The 10th NASS has happened on a Nigeria where the strength it should have derived from its diversity is rather being dissipated on self-immolation; it has come when Nigeria needs redemption, an urgent redemption! All these are coming against the backdrop that the ninth National Assembly was perceived as a rubber stamp of an uninspiring executive. Whatever achievement the ninth National Assembly made was unfortunately drowned in the disillusion of the perception of a rubber-stamp parliament.  
“The 10th National Assembly has on its hands, its destiny. We have heard of legislative agendas in the time past, and the failures that followed the so-called agendas indicate that there is no such thing as a legislative agenda beyond the constitutional responsibility vested on parliamentarians and the parliament. 
“This is so because the only agenda that the people’s parliament has is the welfare, progress and protection of the people, and we all know that we are in a fast-paced, dynamic and unpredictable world that requires equal dynamism from lawmakers.
“To this end, the 10th National Assembly will serve Nigeria more effectively if the unity of Nigeria, the welfare of Nigerians can form the central point of its legislative responsibilities and focus.
“It is to be noted that, yes, the three arms of the government are interdependent and partners, but it’s also pertinent that the 10th National Assembly stamps its feet on the ground, and on the side of the people of Nigeria.”
Osiebe noted that in the previous assemblies, there were series of legislations that had raised the expectations of Nigerians and dashed same.
He highlighted such legislations to include the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the Whistle Blowers Bill still pending and several others, which he said must be revisited in the interest of Nigeria’s survival.

“Others like the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other such high-impact laws must be further fine-tuned for the benefit of Nigerians and integrity of our economy.
“It is important to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reputed for his patriotism and economic planning prowess. However, the 10th National Assembly must necessarily reactivate its oversight responsibilities to ensure that Nigerians are not shortchanged for the benefit of the few or group,” he said. 
He added that Nigerians would appreciate a knowledge-driven parliament, a parliament rooted in scientifically-proven and sustainable parliamentary solutions to desert encroachment and other existential environmental issues that fuel insecurity in Nigeria. 
“Nigerians will appreciate and applaud a parliament that will get our security agencies to be alive to their duties in line with standard security protocols. Nigerians will appreciate a parliament that will work with other arms of government to fine-tune and create laws that can jump-start our economy in line with world best practices. Nigerians will indeed appreciate a 10th National Assembly that will make Nigeria a more liveable clime where the young people can see a future. These are four major priorities that the 10th National Assembly needs to address.” 

Culled from the Guardian

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Peter Obi in solidarity with Ondo LP candidate, stands firm on democracy

Published

on

By

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has once again pledged his commitment to democracy in Nigeria, despite ongoing challenges with the electoral process.

Obi traveled to Ondo State on Monday to campaign alongside LP’s governorship candidate, Hon. Sola Ebiseni, describing him as a capable leader with the necessary competence to effectively govern the state.
Obi highlighted Ebiseni’s work as the Secretary of Afenifere, where he has consistently advocated for fairness, equity, and justice.

Obi urged the people of Ondo to reject transactional politics, which he believes has contributed to misgovernance and poor leadership.
He stressed the importance of choosing leaders who are focused on long-term solutions for the state and the nation.

He concluded with a message of hope: “A new Nigeria is POssible!”

Continue Reading

Politics

Kogi State PDP applauds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s milestone in office

Published

on

By

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has celebrated the achievements of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as she marks her one-year anniversary in office. The party praised her dedication to transformative leadership and her efforts to uplift the lives of her constituents.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru, the PDP highlighted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.

“Senator Natasha exemplifies the values of the PDP through her dedication to the welfare and development of her people,” said Tijani. “In just one year, her work has shown how effective representation can positively impact the lives of her constituents.”

Tijani described her as a “distinguished leader” who has brought meaningful changes to the Kogi Senatorial Zone. He noted that her service has reaffirmed the PDP’s role as a driver of progress and prosperity in Kogi State, adding that her leadership promises a new era of development for the entire state.

The party also expressed its confidence that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts will continue to foster hope and progress across communities, reinforcing the party’s vision for a brighter future.

The PDP concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and good governance, as well as its belief in a prosperous future for Kogi State under its leadership.

Continue Reading

Politics

Atiku Abubakar outlines what he would have done for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

Published

on

By

Atiku Abubakar

***Calls for Strategic Planning and Empathy

Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar has shared his vision for a reformed Nigerian economy, detailing what he would have done differently to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Responding to public interest in his approach, Abubakar outlined a detailed strategy focused on economic stability, institutional reforms, and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking through his chief spokesperson Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice President emphasized the need for better planning and strategic reform implementation.
“Rather than focusing on me, Nigerians should be asking what President Tinubu can do now to alleviate the pain caused by his economic policies,” he stated. However, he expressed hope that some of his ideas might inspire solutions for Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Reeling out his strategy that included Comprehensive Economic Planning and Sequencing of Reforms, Abubakar underscored the importance of a well-coordinated reform strategy.
He argued that implementing major fiscal changes, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, all at once was too abrupt for Nigeria’s economic environment. “We would have sequenced our reforms to achieve fiscal and monetary alignment and avoid overwhelming the economy,” he explained.
He also dwelled on the need for transparent communication and public engagement highlighting the need for open communication with the public, stressing that public trust is essential for successful reforms. “Transparent communication with the public is essential to build public trust, which is important to ensure that citizens understand what the government is doing,” he said.

“One of Abubakar’s priorities would have been to establish robust social protection programs to shield low-income Nigerians from the impact of economic reforms. “Our reforms would have a human face,” he stated, outlining plans for a social safety net that would provide financial support and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable.
On specific Measures to Boost Economic Development Abubakar proposed the creation of $10b Economic Stimulus Fund to support small businesses across Nigeria.
The fund, he said, would empower MSMEs and support youth employment through targeted skills-to-job programs.
Abubakar’s plan included creation of an Infrastructure Development Unit directly under the presidency to coordinate infrastructure projects across the country.
“The IDU would work with ministries to oversee a $25 billion Infrastructure Development Fund to speed up projects in transportation, energy, and communication.
“To address Nigeria’s currency challenges, Abubakar advocated for a managed-floating exchange rate, rather than a fully flexible rate.
He argued that such an approach would help maintain currency stability while avoiding the pitfalls of a fixed rate system.

Abubakar reiterated his stance on subsidy removal, arguing for a gradual, phased approach that would allow the economy to adjust. He proposed reinvesting the funds saved into healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, while increasing domestic refining capacity to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

In conclusion, Abubakar expressed hope that President Tinubu’s administration would consider some of these ideas to address the nation’s economic issues, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being. “I believe that our sacrificial investments today will form the foundation for tomorrow’s development strides,” he said, affirming his commitment to a vision of “a New Nigeria.”

Culled from Everyday.ng

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 National Update