The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS), Prof. Abubarkar Sulaiman has said that the tradition of ‘executive dominance’ has kept the legislature in Nigeria perpetually “subservient”.
He said there will not be any effective lawmaking and oversight by the executive if the legislature remains tied to the apron’s spring of the executive.
Speaking at the opening of a 2-day capacity building workshop for Clerks, Deputy Clerks, and Directors of Legal Departments of State Houses of Assemblies, Sulaiman explained that the legislature will remain disadvantaged and “subservient” to the executive without a conscious and deliberate effort like that of his legislative institute to improve the capacity of parliamentary workers.
He added that the high turnover rate of lawmakers since 2003 has further helped to weaken the legislature.
” The relatively weaker position of the legislature vis-à-vis the other arms of government has not been helped by the high turnover rates that have been on the rise”.
Also Read: New Electoral Act will reduce High turn over of Lawmakers- NILDS DG
“The just concluded party primaries show this stark reality, with 80 percent of legislators likely not to return in 2023”.
“Over the years, this development has further undermined the legislature, eroded legislative capacity, and diminished the confidence of legislature as an institution”.
Speaking earlier, Resident Representatives, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and Marija Peran said her German agency is delighted to partner with NILDS in its quest to develop the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria especially as they relate to strengthening the capacity of the legislature.
She said her agency was pleased with the progress made by Nigeria in her democratic journey and called on the country’s political leaders to address the few loose ends.
This was as the KAS Country Representative called on Nigerian citizens to ahead of elections next year secure their Permanent Voters’ Cards(PVC) and ensure they turn out to exercise their franchise.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
