Senator Ali Ndume has raised concerns over the declining democratic nature of the Nigerian Senate, accusing it of simply rubber-stamping decisions made by the executive branch.
The lawmaker, who represents Borno South, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Senate’s current role, stating that it has increasingly failed to exercise its constitutional duty of providing checks and balances on the government.
In a recent statement, Ndume lamented that the Senate has become more of an approval body rather than an independent legislative arm of government.
He argued that this trend undermines democracy and weakens the principle of separation of powers, which is crucial for good governance. According to him, the Senate should critically scrutinize policies and executive proposals rather than routinely endorsing them without thorough debate.
Ndume, a former Senate Leader, pointed out that the lack of robust legislative oversight allows the executive to operate without sufficient accountability. He called on his colleagues to reassert the Senate’s independence by engaging in more rigorous debates, demanding transparency, and ensuring that laws passed truly reflect the interests of the Nigerian people.
His remarks come amid growing public criticism of the National Assembly’s perceived subservience to the presidency. Analysts have noted that legislative bodies in strong democracies often challenge executive decisions, but in Nigeria, such confrontations are rare. Ndume’s comments highlight an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s legislative institutions and their role in sustaining democratic governance.
If the Senate continues to function as a mere extension of the executive, Ndume warned, it risks losing public trust and further eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations. He urged a return to vigorous legislative scrutiny to strengthen governance and uphold the principles of democracy.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
