How do Nigerians see National Assembly

In the heart of Nigeria, where the bustling streets echo with the rhythm of diverse voices, lies a complex tapestry of opinions, hopes, and grievances about the cornerstone of democracy, the National Assembly.

As the nation navigates its political landscape, the perceptions of its citizens towards this vital institution offer a compelling narrative, woven with threads of scepticism, optimism, and calls for reform.

In bustling marketplaces and tranquil neighbourhoods alike, conversations about the National Assembly are never far from the surface.

Mr. Furoebi Akene, the Chairman, Centre for Environmental Preservation and Development (CEPAD), said, “The lawmakers at the National Assembly are there for themselves and their families.

“They feel that nobody can do them anything, hence the audacity. They are not leaders but maximum rulers.”

The above appears to have reflected widespread sentiment among Nigerians, who see their lawmakers as detached from the harsh realities faced by the populace.

Sen. Abdullahi Sabi, the Minister of State for Agriculture in the 8th assembly, while serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, said the negative perception of NASS by the public is worrisome.

He said, “The image Nigerians paint about the institution is appalling and must be discouraged and jettisoned.”

One year into the life of the 10th National Assembly, the perception of most Nigerians about those elected to represent them in the hallowed chamber appears unchanged.

Scores of Nigerians described the National Assembly as taking the people that elected them for granted; they were unanimous in their call for the lawmakers to have a rethink and aligned themselves with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr. Abdullahi Musa, an engineer, is of the opinion that some Nigerians view the National Assembly as a crucial institution for democratic representation and legislative oversight; hence, they tend to beam more searchlight than the other arms.

Musa said that for some, the National Assembly embodies the aspirations of a democratic nation, a symbol of representation and governance, while for others, it’s shrouded in a veil of disillusionment, seen as a bastion of political elitism and self-interest, adding that others found it expedient to criticise it for issues like corruption, inefficiency, and disconnect from the needs of the people.

Mr. Samuel Ajayi, a political analyst, said the negative perception is not unconnected with the jumbo pay being received by the lawmakers, budget padding, and periodic purchases of luxury cars at the expense of the masses, among others.

Mr. Zakari Mohammed, a former lawmaker who represented the Barutin/Kaiama Federal Constituency of Kwara, said President Olusegun Obasanjo is to blame for the negative perception of Nigerians among the lawmakers.

“The public perception of the National Assembly is in sharp contrast to the reality on the ground as far as the lawmakers take-home and other allowances are concerned,” he said.

Mr. Ken Nnwoko, a civil servant, says in his verdict that across the spectrum of Nigerian society, there’s a palpable sense of expectation, a desire for accountability, and a yearning for effective governance.

“We elected them to serve us, to be our voice, but too often, it feels like they’re serving themselves instead.

“How do you explain the jumbo pay these lawmakers collect without significant impact on their constituency? They live larger than life at the expense of a bleeding nation,” he said.

These sentiments echo throughout the nation, from the bustling streets of Abuja to the serene plains of the northern and southern states.

Illustrating one of the insensitivity displayed by the lawmakers, Mr. Ben Akingbade, a civil rights activist, said that in the heat of the economic crunch occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies, members of the National Assembly insisted on purchasing an SUV vehicle.

This, according to him, is one of the strengths of brigandage displayed by the lawmakers, adding that the opposition by Nigerians did not deter them from going ahead.

He said that in a normal situation, sensitively elected officers will retrace their steps, suspend their desires, and assuage the feelings of Nigerians in line with the current economic reality.

He said the perceived disconnect between the National Assembly and the people it represents is a recurring theme, fueling discussions in tea shops and town halls alike.

He, however, said that amidst the scepticism, there’s also a glimmer of hope. “Our democracy is a work in progress,” asserts Bar Stephen Dien, a civil rights activist in Abuja.

“While there are challenges, we must not lose sight of the progress we’ve made and the power we hold as citizens to demand change.”

Indeed, Nigerian civil society is a vibrant tapestry of activism and advocacy, pushing for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the corridors of power.

Rep. Akin Rotimi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affair, emphasised that the 10th House will adopt an open-door policy to ensure greater engagement with the Nigerian public.

He said that such an approach aims to enhance transparency and accountability in legislative affairs, marking a significant step towards quality representation and legislative policies that directly benefit the populace.

Meanwhile, from grassroots movements to social media campaigns, citizens are leveraging their collective voices to hold the National Assembly accountable and drive positive change.

Mr. Stanley Dien, a lawyer, said that the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Deep-seated issues such as corruption, political patronage, and institutional inefficiencies continue to cast a shadow over the aspirations of Nigerians for a more responsive and accountable government.

“As the nation grapples with these complexities, one thing remains clear: the perceptions of Nigerians towards the National Assembly are as diverse and multifaceted as the nation itself.

“It’s a narrative of contradictions, of hope and disillusionment, of resilience and frustration.

“In the end, perhaps the true essence of democracy lies not in the perfection of its institutions but in the collective pursuit of a more just and equitable society,” he said.

As Nigerians continue to navigate the intricacies of governance, one thing is certain: the voices of the people will continue to shape the destiny of the nation, casting a spotlight on the National Assembly and holding it accountable to the ideals of democracy.