"NASS Becoming a Shadow, Backwards": Saraki Blasts Tinubu, Akpabio, Others After Democracy Day

• Bukola Saraki expressed concern over the declining strength and effectiveness of Nigeria's National Assembly, calling it a "shadow" of what it should be
• Saraki blamed the executive and judiciary for undermining the National Assembly’s autonomy and stressed the need for unity to revitalise and strengthen the institution
• He emphasised the importance of parliamentary oversight and urged lawmakers to prioritise national interests, holding the executive accountable for better governance

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed grave concern over the declining strength and effectiveness of Nigeria's National Assembly, calling it "a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be."

Saraki emphasised the duty of the legislature to honour those who fought for Nigeria's democracy and to safeguard the institution for future generations.

Saraki’s candid assessment of the National Assembly’s decline

Saraki in a post via X. candidly acknowledged the drift in the National Assembly, lamenting its growing inefficiency.

“Today, we seem to be drifting backwards,” Saraki stated.

He added that this concerning development cannot be ignored.

He asserted that while the legislature plays a critical role in democratic governance, it has been hindered by consistent undermining from the executive and judiciary.

“I am convinced that this is not only the fault of the legislature and its leadership. The executive and judiciary have consistently played key roles in undermining and weakening the National Assembly,” he said.

Saraki cited several ways in which the National Assembly has been affected, including interference in leadership selection, misunderstanding of its oversight role, and systemic attacks that have often undermined its autonomy.

A call for revitalisation and independence

In light of the challenges facing the National Assembly, Saraki made a strong appeal for unity and collective effort to revitalise the institution.

“We need to consciously work hard to make this institution strong and vibrant,” he urged.

He emphasised that the parliament must remain a platform for truth, even when it means disagreeing with the executive.

He called for lawmakers to prioritise the national interest over personal or partisan goals, stressing that the role of parliament is to scrutinise and hold the executive accountable in the best interest of the nation.

Saraki speaks on restoring the role of parliament in democratic governance

Saraki’s remarks underscore the crucial role of a functional and independent legislature in a democracy.

He reflected on the original purpose of parliament, which is to challenge and scrutinise the actions of the executive and ensure that governance remains in line with the interests of the people.

By calling for a strengthened National Assembly, Saraki has once again highlighted the need for robust parliamentary oversight to maintain the balance of power and promote good governance in Nigeria.

APC chieftain: Saraki is in no place to lecture Nigerians on democracy

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Dotun Hassan, has slammed former Senate President Bukola Saraki over his recent remarks criticising the current National Assembly, describing them as “hypocritical and politically self-serving.”

Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, June 16, Hassan said Saraki's comments were a classic case of “the pot calling the kettle black,” recalling controversies and alleged compromises during his time as Senate President.

“Bukola Saraki lacks the moral standing to preach about a vibrant National Assembly. Under his leadership, the legislature was reduced to a battleground of personal ambition and executive hostility,” Hassan stated.

The APC chieftain accused Saraki of attempting to rewrite history and whitewash his own role in weakening legislative integrity during his tenure.

“He talks about honouring democracy, yet his time in office was marred by backdoor deals, anti-party manoeuvres, and policy stagnation. Nigerians have not forgotten,” Hassan added.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused on supporting the current administration's efforts to strengthen institutions, rather than being distracted by “the rhetoric of yesterday's men.”

'Ignore busybodies,' Tinubu tells Wike

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu urged Wike to ignore busybodies and naysayers allegedly distracting him.

Tinubu stated this while reopening the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), which Wike renamed after him.

The president commended the FCT minister for orchestrating the completion of the ICC's renovation within one year of the Centre’s closure.

Source: Legit.ng