Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed deep concerns over the state of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, describing it as a mere shadow of what a vibrant and effective parliament should be.
Speaking during a special session to commemorate Nigeria’s 26 years of unbroken democracy at the National Assembly on June 12, Saraki attributed the legislature’s weakening to faulty leadership and external interference from other arms of government.
“In all honesty, we must admit that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be,” Saraki said. “Today, we seem to be drifting backwards. And we don’t have to go far to find the reason for this sad development.”
The former Senate President, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressed that the legislature cannot shoulder the blame alone. He pointed fingers at the executive and judiciary, accusing both of playing consistent roles in undermining the independence and strength of the National Assembly.
Saraki emphasized the need for all arms of government to collaborate in restoring the legislature to its rightful role in Nigeria’s democracy, warning that failure to do so could push citizens towards civil unrest.
“If the National Assembly is made helpless and hopeless to the extent that the people cannot find succour there, then they will be left with no option but to run to the streets. And this is dangerous for our democracy,” he cautioned.
His remarks come amid mounting criticism that the 10th National Assembly functions more as a rubber stamp for the executive branch than as an independent legislative body.
However, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed such claims. He defended the current Assembly, insisting it maintains a “cordial relationship” with the executive and would only endorse policies that serve the national interest.
“The current NASS will rubber stamp things that are in the interest of Nigerians,” Adaramodu said.
Saraki concluded by urging current lawmakers to rise to the challenge and fortify the institution for the benefit of future generations.
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