- Former Senator Shehu Sani urged lawmakers to protect the National Assembly’s independence, warning that its erosion threatens democracy and governance
- Sani criticized the growing disregard for legislative oversight, emphasizing that excessive cooperation with the executive branch risks turning lawmakers into “rubber stamps”
Former senator and pro-democracy advocate Shehu Sani has called on federal lawmakers to safeguard the independence and dignity of the National Assembly, warning that its erosion could undermine democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
Speaking during the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum Week in Abuja, Sani lamented the gradual weakening of the legislative arm’s oversight powers.
He highlighted a significant shift in the respect once commanded by the parliament, pointing to instances where heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) now ignore summons from lawmakers.
“In our time, it was unthinkable for heads of MDAs to ignore our summons. They understood the gravity of our oversight functions,” Sani remarked. “Today, however, we witness a disturbing trend where the powers of the National Assembly are being eroded.”
Sani warned that if the legislature fails to assert its independence and prioritize its constitutional duties, it risks becoming a mere “rubber stamp” for the executive branch.
He urged lawmakers to avoid placing personal gains above their responsibilities and cautioned against excessive cooperation with the executive, which he described as a potential enabler of tyranny.
“This institution deserves respect. If you turn yourselves into stooges or compliant representatives, you will lose that respect,” Sani said. “In our era, we defended legislative independence, even at the cost of frosty relationships with the executive and delays in passing bills. While cooperation is necessary, excessive deference emboldens the executive and weakens democracy.”
Sani reminded legislators of their primary responsibility to represent the people, not to serve as sycophants for the presidency. “Your legacy will be defined by your stance on critical issues, not by how long you served,” he asserted.
He also acknowledged the essential role of legislative aides in supporting lawmakers, describing them as the “engine room” of the National Assembly.
“Legislative aides draft bills, conduct research, and provide the necessary support to ensure the legislature functions effectively,” he said.
Sani’s comments come amid growing concerns about the National Assembly’s perceived lack of independence and its failure to adequately check the executive branch’s powers.
His remarks serve as a call to action for lawmakers to recommit to their constitutional duties and defend the principles of democracy.