Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has raised concerns over the declining effectiveness of the 10th National Assembly, describing it as gradually becoming a shadow of its former self.
READ ALSO: 10th Kano Assembly: Gov. Yusuf urges harmonious relationship
Speaking during an event to mark Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Saraki attributed the decline to poor leadership and increasing interference from other arms of government. He stressed the importance of collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary while maintaining institutional independence.
Saraki highlighted the National Assembly’s core responsibility to provide oversight and hold the executive accountable. He warned that a weakened legislature could lead to a loss of public trust in democratic institutions, possibly pushing citizens to seek alternative means of expressing their grievances, which could endanger the country’s democracy.
His comments come at a time when the current National Assembly is facing criticism for allegedly being too submissive to the executive arm.
In response, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, dismissed the criticisms. He maintained that the National Assembly enjoys a healthy working relationship with the executive and remains committed to approving only policies and decisions that benefit the Nigerian people.
