Stakeholders task 10th National Assembly on accountability, probity

Members-elect of the incoming 10th National Assembly have been urged to take the issue of public accountability and justice seriously to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the true dividends of representative democracy.

the call was made by speakers at the first Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai Memorial Lecture, including Senators Abubakar Umar Gada, Victor Oyofo, Rochas Okorocha, Sanusi Daggash and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.

Osunbor, who is a former Edo State governor noted that although the challenges confronting Nigeria were not caused solely by the number or size of National Assembly’s budget, the lawmakers, especially the Senators have crucial role to play in providing equal representation to the citizens.

He dismissed calls for the reduction of number of lawmakers and unicameral federal legislature, remarking that experience has shown that the country was better off with a bicameral legislature.

Osunbor, who is also a law professor pointed out that Nigerians are closer to the lawmakers than their state governors, Vice President and President, adding that that easy access comes with added responsibilities for the lawmakers.

Senator Oyofo had, in his opening remarks, suggested that Nigeria should adopt part-time legislature to reduce the spiralling cost of governance, noting that reports from the #openNass campaign showed that in 2017, each lawmaker cost taxpayers N54,000.

“After more than 20 years of democracy, the legislative arm had proven ineffective and expensive, leading to unemployment and insecurity,” he declared, stressing that former governors have found the Senate as a retirement ground.

Similarly, former Imo State governor and Senator representing Imo West, Okorocha, noted that instead of 109 Senators, the country should make do with do with 37 Senators for the 36 states and FCT.

Rebuffing the argument for checks and balances in the system, Okorocha said nobody should deceive Nigerians that there was any checks and balances, stressing that what obtains is “interest checks and balancing.”

Making his contribution, the Senator-elect for Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, disagreed with Oyofo, saying that contrary to insinuations that former governor go to the Senate to luxuriate, the legislature is a place for serious business.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Lamai Foundation, Chief Richard Lamai, explained that the Lecture series was established to pay tribute to the legacy of Senator E.A. Lamai, who was known for his compassion and commitment to community development.