Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has applauded key figures like Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, the late Gani Fawehinmi, and Femi Falana for their pivotal roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. Speaking at the National Assembly Legislative Forum (NASSLAF) in Abuja, the Lawmaker who is the son of immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Elrufai acknowledged their consistent advocacy for workers’ welfare and democratic rights.
El-Rufai described Sen. Shehu Sani as a “father” and recognized him and Governor Uba Sani for setting an example in supporting legislative aides and fostering democratic dividends in their constituencies. He pledged to continue their legacy in his representation.
El-Rufai made this known at an event organised by the National Assembly Legislative Forum(NASSLAF) in Abuja, with the theme: “Role of Legislative Aides in National Development.
“I am glad that Sen. Shehu Sani has been invited here. Regardless of the politics between him and my father for example, even senator Shehu Sani’s enemies cannot discard the fact that him , Gani Fawehinmi school of thought, the Falana’s have consistently and deliberately advocated for the welfare and rights of workers across board.
On the need to preserve the Legislature, El-Rufai said the roles of legislative aides in lawmaking should be taken seriously.
He commended Sen. Sani and Gov. Uba Sani for taking good care of their legislative aides when they were senators.
El-Rufai added that the the two Sani’s had legislative aides at their constituency offices to give the people the dividends of democracy, stressing that “I want to continue that.”
On his part, Sen. Shehu Sani, who was the Keynote Speaker at the event, commended El-Rufai for effective representation in Kaduna North Federal Constituency.
On the role of the National Assembly in nation building, Sani called on the need for the independence of the legislature, adding that legislative aides played critical role in effective representation in the National Assembly.
Sani called on legislative aides to always tell their principals the real happenings in the country.
Sani, a former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, urged the legislature to live up to its responsibilities, for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians.
He said a subservient legislature would not be able to work in the interest of the country, saying that such could affect good governance and undermine democracy.
“In our time, it was unthinkable for heads of MDAs to ignore our summons. They understood the gravity of our oversight functions,” he said.
The lawmaker further advised lawmakers against prioritising personal gains over constitutional responsibilities