- Senator Abdulrahman Suleman Kawu emphasized that the legislature must pressure the executive branch through resolutions to ensure proper actions are taken
- Sen. Sumaila cited examples of how legislative actions, such as motions, have led to positive outcomes, including the government addressing issues related to local government administration and infrastructure projects
Senator Abdulrahman Suleman Kawu, representing Kano South, emphasized that the legislature must pressure the executive branch through resolutions to ensure proper actions are taken in the country’s interest. He made this statement while addressing the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) from Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, who paid him a courtesy visit. The delegation was led by the Head of the Department of Political Science, Najibullah Abdallah Nuhu, and the Association’s President, Muhammad Kabir Salihu.
Sen. Sumaila explained, “The essence of the legislature as an arm of government is to keep the executive in check through its legislative functions as guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).” He informed the students that the legislature carries out its functions through Bills, Motions, and oversight activities to monitor the executive’s financial and operational activities as outlined in the approved budgets of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Furthermore, he noted that the legislature makes laws and ensures strict adherence by the executive branch’s implementing authorities to prevent the country from falling into chaos. He highlighted that Senators and Representatives propose Bills and motions based on the need to improve governance and deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians, which is the primary reason their constituents elected them.
Sen. Sumaila recounted how he recently brought attention to the government’s clear violation of the Constitution regarding local government issues. He said, “After we put our arguments and the support we got from the Senate, Mr. President took the matter to court and won his case within two days. There is a clear relationship between poverty and local government administration in Nigeria. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) also confirmed a relationship between insecurity and local government administration in Nigeria.”
He cited several motions to illustrate the impact of legislative actions on executive decisions. “Another motion that I can cite for you was our motion on Niger. It was a serious issue. We need to open our border, and Mr. President heard our position and opened our border. My motion on the Wudil-Gaya-Maiduguri road led to work being started on the site. It is about calling the attention of the executive to these issues. When we moved the motion highlighting serious inconsistencies in the concessioning of Kano Airport, the executive reviewed it and agreed and revoked the concession after one or two months.”
Sen. Sumaila’s remarks underscore the vital role of the legislature in ensuring that the executive branch remains accountable and responsive to citizens’ needs and concerns.