PRESERVE PARLIAMENTARY INDEPENDENCE, SHEHU SANI TELLS LAWMAKERS
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A former member of the Senate, Shehu Sani, has urged federal lawmakers to carry themselves with dignity to preserve the independence and respect of the parliament.
Sani gave the advice on Monday while speaking during the opening of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum week in Abuja.
He noted that a compromised parliament portends ill-will for the nation, adding that it could work against good governance and undermine democracy.
In his keynote address themed, “Sustainable democracy and nation building,” Sani contrasted the current National Assembly with the 8th Assembly led by Senator Bukola Saraki, which he said stood against executive rascality.
He lamented that the powers of the National Assembly seemed to be eroded with time.
“In our time, it was unthinkable for heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ignore our summons. They understood the gravity of our oversight functions,” Sani said.
He warned that the current Assembly risks becoming a “rubber stamp” for the executive if it sacrifices its independence and fails to exercise its checks on the executive arm.
Sani cautioned lawmakers against prioritising personal gain over their constitutional responsibilities.
“This institution needs respect. If you turn yourselves into stooges or compliant representatives, you will lose that respect. 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,” he stated.
On the consequences of subservience, Sani noted instances where Heads of MDAs openly challenged lawmakers during oversight is unacceptable.
“The Senate President must ensure that nominees for appointments and executive proposals undergo serious scrutiny. This is not a place for automatic approval,” he added.
He further reminded lawmakers that their primary duty is to serve Nigerians, not the presidency.
“You are here to represent the people, not to become ‘rankadede’ sycophants for the executive. Your legacy will be defined by your stance on critical issues, not by how long you served,” he said.
Sani who doubles as a pro-democracy campaigner also acknowledged the vital but often overlooked role of legislative aides, describing them as the backbone of the legislature, instrumental in drafting bills and policies for the country’s governance.
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