There are critical national challenges calling for the attention and intervention of the National Assembly. At times like this, the legislative arm of government is one of the most significant links between the government and the governed. Although the 8th National Assembly has hardly been given its due in the country on account of the perceived self-interest of some of its members, the number of bills that it has either passed, sent for second reading or referred to relevant committees, portrays it as living up to its responsibility.
Although the legislature has had some issues with the Executive arm, it has made some progress in the way it handled critical national issues in the overall public interest. Such matters include the rejection of the planned sale of national assets, the accelerated consideration and approval of President Buhari’s request for $30 billion foreign loan, the lawmakers’ quick response to the fuel scarcity across the country, the adoption of the separation of Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from that of the Minister of Justice.
As the lawmakers settle down to work this year, they should bear in mind their legislative and oversight functions, which are constitutionally given in Section 4(2) Part II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The provision confers on the National Assembly the “power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative list set out in Part I of the Second Schedule” to the Constitution.
In that regard, Nigerians expect lawmakers to approach their duties with utmost diligence and sincerity of purpose, bearing in mind the imperative of the unity and progress of the country. As the legislators are aware, critical issues are awaiting their attention. Among the matters demanding their attention are: the 2018 Budget, the contentious $1bn security funding from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), the return of fuel subsidy payments by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and other private and Executive Bills. The recurring security challenges confronting different parts of the country also require their immediate attention.
Nigerians expect robust debates on these issues, on a bipartisan basis, and laws to confront them. For instance, we expect the debate on the budget to proceed with efficient speed so that implementation can start in earnest. It is equally important that Bills before the august assembly should be advertised for public consideration. Also, Nigerians want to see the completion of the amendment of the 1999 Constitution this year. Very often, the legislature has been pilloried for not being diligent in its oversight function. This has caused a major disconnect between the lawmakers and the people. The legislators should, therefore, stand up for national unity on matters that will benefit the citizens, rather than being self-serving as has been evident in some debates at both legislative chambers.
It must be pointed out that the PIB is such an important legislation that will transform the nation’s oil sector. Yet, so much time has been wasted on it. Apart from the Governance aspect of the Bill (a component of the bill), the lawmakers have been stonewalling on the PIB for years on account of sectional interests. It’s time the PIB is passed into law so that the benefits will become manifest in the oil sector and for oil bearing communities to enjoy the fruits of their natural resources.
With just about a year to the next general elections, the lawmakers need reminding that the time has come for them to be counted on the side of the people. We urge them to do some soul-searching and consider the impact they have made on the people and the progress of the country. Their stewardship will be judged by their performance and their positive contributions to democracy, lawmaking and the welfare of the people.
Moving forward, the National Assembly must confront the herdsmen menace with the urgency, wisdom and strong will it requires. Overall, the lawmakers should be concerned about their image, accomplishments, the quality of the bills they pass and how these bills can transform into laws that will make our country better. Nothing less will do.