New book exposes burdens on Nigerian lawmakers, weak oversight
A new 508-page book, 'The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria' by former Senator Effiong Bob, challenges the assumption that Nigeria's federal and state lawmakers are neglecting their duties. Written by an insider with experience as a state and federal legislator, the book argues that the challenges facing representatives are more complex than public criticism suggests.
The book reveals a key issue: a confusion between lawmaking and delivering tangible benefits like roads and schools. This expectation gap, rooted in decades of military rule, pressures legislators to prioritise visible projects over policy-making. This leads to project-based politics and pork-barrel allocation, often overshadowing critical national issues and creating opportunities for corruption.
Bob also highlights 'god-fatherism' and internal party battles where 'political overlords' manipulate candidate selection and influence lawmakers after election, subordinating constituents' interests to their own. The book notes that while democracy is under strain, it remains the best system for representative governance. It features insights from former Senate Presidents like Anyim Pius Anyim, Ken Nnamani, and Godswill Akpabio, among others.
The work serves as a manual for aspiring politicians on navigating nomination barriers, party subterfuge, and the heavy pressure from constituents. Bob, who is also the author of 'Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria' (2010), frames this as a call for institutional reform to strengthen legislative independence and public trust.
With Nigeria's 10th Assembly under scrutiny for perceived rubber-stamping of executive bills and nominees, Bob's perspective adds a critical layer to the ongoing debate. Is the legislature's primary burden a misalignment of public expectations, or is there a genuine failure in oversight and independence that requires urgent reform?
SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/opinion/senator-bob-on-the-burden-of-legislators-in-nigeria/