IN TIMES of crisis, institutions that embody democratic governance are expected to be the voice of the people, actively responding to national concerns and offering direction and hope. However, the Nigerian National Assembly, the legislative arm of government that should echo the aspirations and frustrations of the masses, has often come under scrutiny for its silence or inaction during periods of immense national challenges.
One might begin to wonder: is the deafening silence of the National Assembly an abdication of duty or an indicator of the quality composition of the National Assembly? This question reflects a growing perception that the very body mandated to champion the people’s cause seems to have abdicated its role.
In a country where unemployment is high, inflation is crippling household incomes, and basic infrastructures like electricity and health care services are in disrepair, the absence of legislative activism exacerbates public frustration.
Nigeria is currently grappling with a wide array of crises: economic hardships, security threats, the collapse of vital infrastructures, corruption, and political instability in some states. At a time like this when the citizenry looks to their elected representatives for leadership, the National Assembly appears alarmingly passive. Citizens raise concerns about kidnappings, economic inflation, the devaluation of the naira, fuel price hikes and scarcity, including unemployment and underemployment and yet, the legislative response has been abysmal; in fact, non-existent.
One key aspect of a functional democracy is a responsive legislature. Legislators are not only expected to enact laws but also to hold the executive accountable, debate pressing national issues, and provide checks and balances. However, when the legislature remains mute in the face of overwhelming national challenges, the question arises: Has the National Assembly been devolved, either formally or informally, rendering it ineffective?
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This is not the first time the Nigerian National Assembly has faced such criticisms. Over the years, lawmakers have often been accused of prioritising personal or political gains over the welfare of the citizens. This legislative inertia seems to reflect deeper issues within Nigeria’s political structure. The notion of ‘devolution’ in this context refers to the erosion of the Assembly’s political will and its perceived disconnect from the electorate.
A clear example of this came during periods of national protests, when the Assembly failed to provide a strong voice for the people’s grievances. Similarly, amidst the current security crisis, including insurgencies in the North and banditry in various parts of the country, the silence of lawmakers has created an alarming vacuum.
One plausible explanation for the National Assembly’s silence is the overwhelming influence of the executive branch. In many cases, the presidency significant held sway over legislative affairs, reducing the autonomy of lawmakers. This makes the National Assembly appear as a mere rubberstamp, rather than a vibrant and independent entity to largely ought to breathe life to the other organs of government.
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Some critics argue that the silence of the National Assembly is a form of complicity. Given the economic benefits lawmakers reportedly enjoy, there is a belief that they are unwilling to challenge the status quo, as doing so could threaten their own privileges.
There is also the possibility that some members of the Assembly are afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals from powerful political actors. Speaking against government policies or actions, especially when such actions are unpopular with the public, can carry personal and political risks.
Instead of focusing on public policy or national progress, many lawmakers concentrate on maintaining their political infrastructure, ensuring they remain relevant and can secure re-election or other positions of influence. This prebendal instinct and self-preservation undermines the legislative process, leaving pressing national issues not only unresolved but progressively worsening from one administration to the other.
The cost of this legislative inaction is profound. When the National Assembly fails to take decisive action or address national issues, the trust between the people and their elected representatives erodes. Citizens feel disillusioned, and the democratic process becomes weakened. Moreover, this silence fosters a culture of impunity, where critical issues such as corruption, poor governance, and security crises remain unaddressed.
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In a country where unemployment is high, inflation is crippling household incomes, and basic infrastructures like electricity and health care services are in disrepair, the absence of legislative activism exacerbates public frustration.
Unlike in other democracies where political ideology serves as the backbone for governance, Nigeria’s political sphere is largely driven by personal interest and survival. The lack of a consistent ideological framework among political parties and individual lawmakers means that governance is often reduced to self-serving activities, where decisions are made not based on public interest or national development, but on the immediate financial and political benefits to those in power.
In the face of all these challenges, one infrastructure that is consistently being develop is political infrastructure. Political infrastructure in Nigeria refers to the informal networks, personal patronage, and connections that politicians build to secure their positions and advance their careers. Instead of focusing on public policy or national progress, many lawmakers concentrate on maintaining their political infrastructure, ensuring they remain relevant and can secure re-election or other positions of influence. This prebendal instinct and self-preservation undermines the legislative process, leaving pressing national issues not only unresolved but progressively worsening from one administration to the other.
To restore public confidence, the National Assembly must step up to its constitutional responsibilities. This means taking proactive steps to investigate and address the pressing issues plaguing the country. Legislative committees should be more active, debates should reflect the urgency of the moment, and lawmakers should be more in tune with the needs of the electorate.
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Furthermore, citizens must also play a role in holding their representatives accountable. The electorate has the power to vote for leaders who are committed to the people’s welfare and to demand transparency and responsiveness from the current officeholders. Unfortunately, while politicians are interested in developing political infrastructure, most electorates are interested in the development and expansion of stomach infrastructure.
The question of who devolved the National Assembly is a reflection of the broader discontent felt by Nigerians toward a body that appears distantly unconcerned from the people’s struggles. While the Assembly itself may not be formally devolved, its silence during critical moments suggests an abdication of its moral and political duty. Only through active engagement, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the public good can the National Assembly reclaim its rightful place as the people’s voice in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Comrade Takor was a two-term President of NASU, a two-term National Treasurer of NLC and an inaugural member of the Board of PenCom. Comrade Takor retired as a Director in federal service and is now a Lagos-based legal practitioner. He is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos, Plateau State.
