AVOID BEING USED AS RUBBER STAMP, SENATOR SANI CAUTIONS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 09-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu Pro-democracy activist senator, Shehu Sani, has cautioned National Assembly to avoid being used as rubber stamp there by compromising the independence of Legislature and weakening democratic checks and balances of the Legislative arm.
Speaking during the opening of the the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum week in Abuja Senator Sani who was a senator in the 8th Assembly, warned the National Assembly against letting its influence to diminish by its actions and not effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Senator Sani who urged the National Assembly to focus on prioritizing the interest of citizens against personal gains, observed dismay that the powers of the National Assembly seemed to be eroded with time.
“In our time, it was unthinkable for heads of MDAs to ignore our summons. They understood the gravity of our oversight functions,”
“Our era defended legislative independence, but it came at a cost – frosty relationships with the executive and delays in passing bills. However, excessive cooperation is equally dangerous, as it emboldens tyranny,”
Senator Sani while highlighting the consequences of subservience, recalled instances where heads of MDAs openly challenge lawmakers during oversight functions, a behavior he said would not have been tolerated in previous Assemblies.
He reminded lawmakers that their primary duty is to serve Nigerians, not the presidency.
The Pro-democracy activist who described legislative aides as the backbone of the legislature, that is instrumental in drafting laws and policies for the country’s governance.