Abuja: A former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has called on members of the 10th National Assembly to be firm and audacious in carrying out their legislative functions. Sani, a human rights activist-turned-politician, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He emphasized the necessity for lawmakers to defend the independence of the parliament by being critical in their checks and balances and oversight functions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sani assessed the performance of the 10th National Assembly, noting that the current legislature is situated between the Eighth and Ninth Assembly in terms of performance. He explained that while every iteration of the national assembly has its unique experiences and challenges, the fundamental functions of the legislature remain law-making and performing oversight functions on the executive to ensure checks and balances. Sani remarked that the Eighth Senate was distinguished by its ability to stand up to the executive arm of the government, a standard which, according to him, dropped during the Ninth Assembly.
Sani further elaborated that the 10th National Assembly, in his view, is neither a rubber stamp nor as independent and progressive as the Eighth Senate. He highlighted the need for the assembly to be stricter in activating its checks and balances power, particularly with regards to government borrowing, policies, and programmes that are detrimental to the masses. Sani expressed his desire to see the assembly challenge telecommunication companies over tariff increases and banks over unnecessary charges that are causing public distress.
The former senator concluded by urging lawmakers to uphold, protect, and defend the integrity and dignity of the parliament, asserting that the national assembly should not be treated as a department of the executive.