Fayemi advocates bicameralism reform in Nigeria

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has called for the reconsideration of Nigeria’s Bicameral legislature to enhance good governance in the country.

He said bicameralism offers potential benefits such as preventing hasty legislation, promoting the division of labour, and providing checks and balances, that were not amply manifested in the context of Nigeria.

Fayemi disclosed this speaking at the sixth Justice Aderemi Lecture Series (JAALS) in Ibadan, Oyo State in his lecture titled, “Bicameralism, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: Some Reflections,” an offshoot of the conference topic “Bicameralism and Good Governance. An Oxymoron?”

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He explained that bicameralism, comprising a Senate and a House of Representatives, provided a system of wider representation for pluralist societies. Added that approximately 45 percent of democracies worldwide practice bicameralism, including most federal entities like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

However, the former Ekiti governor said that the country’s legislative arm remains underdeveloped, partly due to its interruptions during military rule, which has affected its independence and effectiveness.

“The current perception of Nigeria’s National Assembly, often viewed by the public as a “rubber stamp” institution subservient to the executive branch.”

He expressed concern that the Senate had become a haven for retired politicians who make little or no contributions at all, wondering if the current structure of a bicameral legislature was deepening democracy or bettering governance.

Fayemi therefore called for a re-evaluation of Nigeria’s governance system, particularly the need for devolution of powers to the country’s federating units.

He argued that the core issue is not merely the type of legislature but the structure of Nigeria’s federalism which he said had failed to serve a national interest.