The Decline of Nigeria’s Legislative Integrity: A Critical Examination

This article examines Nigeria’s political landscape, focusing on President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State and its implications for the integrity of the National Assembly. Allegations of bribery reveal a concerning trend of collusion between the executive and legislative branches. The assessment highlights a significant decline in the legislature’s effectiveness and ethical standards, warning of a governance structure comprising only the executive and judiciary.

The situation in Nigeria’s government structure has become increasingly concerning, particularly regarding the actions of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. Many citizens express skepticism about Tinubu’s legitimacy and the motivations behind his policies, highlighting significant issues surrounding transparency and accountability. The recent emergency declaration in Rivers State, while not inherently opposed, raised questions about the constitutional process and the executive’s overreach due to apparent collusion with the legislature.

Reports from credible news sources like Peoples Gazette and SaharaReporters allege that legislators were bribed, with sums reaching $25,000 in exchange for their support of Tinubu’s emergency measures. This action has resulted in the dismantling of democratic institutions in Rivers State, raising alarms about ethical lapses within the legislative body. As critical evaluations reveal, the National Assembly is increasingly being perceived as an extension of the executive branch rather than an independent legislative authority.

The National Assembly’s historical decline illustrates a broader trend of decay over the years, with past criticisms highlighting a lack of accountability and ethical governance. Allegations of corruption within the Senate and other legislative chambers are not new, with instances of lavish expenditures and unethical practices documented over the years. As funding for the National Assembly has ballooned, concerns over prioritizing personal gain over public service persist, creating an alarming picture of governance.

The founding fathers of Nigeria established a robust legislative system meant to serve as a check on executive power. However, there is a discernible trend where party loyalty overrides constitutional duties, compromising the integrity of the legislature. This trend continued during the administration of the PDP and is being mirrored now under the APC, with little difference in substance and ethics. The lack of proper record-keeping and transparency within the National Assembly exacerbates these issues, rendering the legislature ineffective and out of touch with civic needs.

The alarming conclusion drawn from this assessment is that Nigeria currently operates with only one and a quarter arms of government: the executive and the judiciary, with the legislature diminished and compromised. As concerns about ethical governance intensify, the implications of recent actions taken by the President and legislators will have long-lasting repercussions for Nigerian democracy and civil liberties.

In summary, the current state of Nigeria’s governance underscores significant concerns regarding the integrity and functionality of the National Assembly. Allegations of bribery and collusion with the executive branch indicate a deterioration of democratic standards and practice. As the legislature appears increasingly ineffective, Nigeria’s governance structure is now characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, revealing an urgent need for reform to restore public trust and uphold constitutional principles.

Original Source: punchng.com