Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has recently raised concerns about the current state of the National Assembly, accusing it of enabling executive recklessness and placing the concerns of the Nigerian populace at the bottom of its priorities. His remarks highlight a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the legislative body’s role in the country’s democratic process.
In a tweet posted on his official handle @atiku on the social media platform X, Atiku Abubakar voiced his concerns about what he perceives as troubling trends in the National Assembly. He argued that the institution, which is supposed to act as a check on the executive branch of government, has instead become a facilitator of the executive’s unchecked actions. According to Atiku, this shift poses a serious threat to the country’s democracy and its principles.
Atiku’s criticisms are grounded in recent events that he believes exemplify the National Assembly’s failure to uphold its constitutional responsibilities. One such instance involved Senator Abdul Ningi, who raised an alarm about budget padding in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. Rather than addressing Ningi’s concerns and initiating a thorough investigation into the budgetary issues, the Senate responded by suspending him. Atiku highlighted this as a clear example of the Senate’s disregard for accountability and transparency, which he argues has left the Nigerian public grappling with a confusing and opaque budget framework. This situation has led to difficulties in understanding and tracking government spending for the current fiscal year, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
In another recent event, Senator Ali Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu to address the severe hunger and poverty affecting many Nigerians. Instead of taking Ndume’s call seriously, the Senate chose to remove him from his position as the Chief Whip. This decision, according to Atiku, underscores a troubling trend where Senate members who attempt to hold the executive accountable face punitive actions rather than support.
Atiku’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the current approach to governance in Nigeria. He argued that a truly democratic system should involve active participation from all branches of government, ensuring that each branch operates as a check on the others. The legislative branch, in particular, is designed to protect the public from potential excesses by the executive branch. However, Atiku contends that the current administration under President Tinubu has undermined this principle, transforming the National Assembly into a mere extension of the executive’s will.
This shift in the National Assembly’s role has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic health, according to Atiku. He pointed out that the institution’s current posture resembles that of a puppet rather than an independent body capable of holding the executive accountable. This alignment with the executive’s interests, Atiku argues, represents a departure from the core democratic values of transparency, accountability, and representation.
Additionally, Atiku expressed disappointment over the Senate’s handling of national priorities. Despite ongoing appeals for the government to address the widespread economic hardships facing Nigerians, including the need to allocate resources more judiciously, the Senate has supported controversial expenditures. Specifically, Atiku criticized the decision to acquire new aircraft for the presidential fleet, which he believes contradicts the urgent need to alleviate the financial strain on ordinary citizens. The choice to prioritize luxury items for the presidency amid widespread economic hardship has fueled public discontent and further fueled perceptions of government insensitivity.
Atiku’s critique is also reflective of a broader sentiment among many Nigerians who feel that their voices are not being adequately represented in the current political climate. The increasing disconnect between the legislative body and the needs of the populace has contributed to a growing sense of disenfranchisement and frustration among citizens.
In light of these issues, Atiku has called for an end to what he describes as the unholy alliance between the executive and legislative branches. He warned that if these trends continue, they could lead to a form of governance that resembles a dictatorship rather than a democratic republic. Such a shift, he argues, would only worsen the conditions for ordinary Nigerians and further erode the principles of democracy.
Atiku’s statements resonate with concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria and the role of its institutions. The National Assembly’s actions and decisions have come under scrutiny from various quarters, with many questioning whether it is fulfilling its mandate as a check on the executive branch. The growing perception of legislative complicity in executive excesses raises important questions about the future of democratic governance in the country.
As the debate continues, Atiku’s comments serve as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining a robust and independent legislative branch that can effectively hold the executive accountable. The health of Nigeria’s democracy relies on the ability of its institutions to function as intended, with each branch of government playing its appropriate role in the system of checks and balances. Atiku’s call for a reassessment of the National Assembly’s approach is a reflection of broader concerns about the need for transparency, accountability, and genuine representation in Nigerian politics.
