A former minister of environment, housing and urban development, Chief Nduese Essien, has expressed fears that the National Assembly was gradually being tilted by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio towards becoming an appendage of the executive arm of government led by President Bola Tinubu.
In an open letter made available to journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital yesterday, the elder statesman, recalled that during his time as a member of the National Assembly, when he represented the Eket federal constituency (1999 – 2007), the federal lawmakers worked genuinely to bring economic prosperity to the people, noting that the current dispensation is a clear departure from the past.
According to him, overindulgence in politics to the detriment of effective representation, combined with other personal interests of politicians remain the major bane in the efforts of the current federal lawmakers to engender hope in the people and the Nigerian system.
He said, “As you strive to provide the required leadership as Senate President and chairman of our esteemed National Assembly, I feel compelled to draw your attention to the critical role that previous National Assemblies, particularly those between 1999 and 2007, played in steering our country towards economic growth and democratic stability.
“Throughout that time, the National Assembly demonstrated its dedication to accountability and the rule of law. Notably, it was a period when critical anti-corruption authorities were established and regulatory agencies were strengthened, setting the framework for growth and a robust national economy.
“That era saw phenomenal per capita growth, demonstrating the value of legislative oversight and the preservation of democratic values.
The lessons from this period are clear: a robust National Assembly is essential for fostering economic growth, ensuring respect for the rule of law, and securing justice for all citizens.
“It is imperative that the legislature serves as a check on the executive, rather than merely acquiescing to its dictates. Regrettably, the Senate and House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, fell short in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
“By failing to effectively check the executive and allowing many illegalities to go unchecked, they contributed to the hardships facing our nation today. As you lead the National Assembly, I urge you to heed the lessons of history and prioritize the interests of the people above all else.
“Uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice, and ensure that the legislature functions as a true bastion of democracy. To accomplish the foregoing, you must speak less, listen to your colleagues more, and monitor the national mood before wielding the gavel. By doing so, you will lead the National Assembly in collaboration with the Executive and the judiciary to create a better future for our dear country.”
He recalled one of the gaffes of the Senate President, when in a televised plenary session last Tuesday, told Nigerians about the purported allocation of N30 billion to each governor by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to mitigate inflation and food prices in their states, advising that such unwavering rhetoric on such sensitive issue without fact – checking, was too unbecoming of the revered office of the number three citizen of Nigeria.
“Before making such a public statement, you as the leader of the Nigerian legislature and one of the highest-ranking officials in the current administration should have thoroughly verified such a claim. The subsequent rebuttal of this claim by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the loud silence from All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors, suggest you did not double-check the information before giving it to the public.
“This serious error, along with previous blunders, harms your leadership reputation. I urge you to stop making hasty and unfounded claims that could inflame tensions or damage the government and the institution you represent. It is important to apply caution when we speak as leaders,” he stressed.
