The composition of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, was expected. The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives are now free to begin their legislative functions with the elections at both chambers over. In a democracy, the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary have their distinctive roles clearly spelt out in the constitution without interference. This is what is expected from the present National Assembly. The 9th Assembly which was under the leadership of Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila earned a name for themselves as rubber stamp Assembly which today has gone down in history because they did not give Nigerians quality representation, neither did they oppose any bill coming from the Executive arm of government, even as the outgone President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration went on a borrowing spree up to the last minute that the tenure lasted. The revelations that are beginning to emerge, just weeks after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirm that the 9th Senate, indeed was truly a disappointment. For example, one of the senators in the 9th Republic, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, during their valedictory session told Nigerians that he influenced some of the decisions of his wife who was a High court Judge to favour his fellow politicians and party members. This revelation is in fact, an act of God. Whether Senator Bulkachuwa and his wife would be investigated for the wrongs they have done the society and the Nigerian people that gave them opportunities to serve the country is another issue. As a matter of fact, Nigerians wouldn’t be surprised not to hear anything again about this matter just as similar cases are swept under the carpet. For the 10th Senate and House of Representatives under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, it is a new era that should not be bungled.
While we need to support ourselves as a nation, those elected to represent us should understand what their roles are. The good thing however, is that the 10th Assembly is a composition of both new and old law makers from different political parties, different from the previous one where the voice of the opposition was not loud enough to checkmate the excesses of the Executive who had everything under its control without recourse to the tenets of democratic rule. Nations succeed because of the support individuals bring to the fore, whether in government or not. We expect those in government to stand up for what is right and just, and not to allow the glory of this nation drown. We want to remind the present law makers that the elections are over and that the people need good governance. The 10th Assembly should ensure transparency and probity in governance as well as implement its functions of lawmaking, representation, broad oversight and a host of others in strict adherence to the federal character principles. The three tiers of government should understand that their responsibilities are different, even though they complement one another. The winners take-it all-syndrome should not rear its ugly head under this present dispensation if we are desirous to address issues that bedevil the society currently. That many law makers could not make it to the 10th Assembly is an indication that the eyes of Nigerian people, daily are fixed on the activities of the law makers. We need a robust and engaging National Assembly that will bring us out from the present political quagmire; else, we shall be paying lip service to democracy and what it stands for.