Democracy Day: Elect competent lawmakers, Saraki tells Nigerians
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called on Nigerians to prioritise competence and performance when electing members of the National Assembly, warning that the country’s democracy and governance would suffer if ineffective legislators continue to be returned to office.
Saraki made the remarks on Friday while delivering a keynote address at The Platform’s June Forum, held to commemorate Democracy Day at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
Speaking on the theme, “How Legislature Brings About Democratic Stability by Strengthening Governance and National Development,” the former Senate President stressed that voters have a critical role in strengthening democratic institutions by electing capable representatives.
“The electorate must consciously elect the most capable and dedicated people to the legislature. Too often, a member who sponsors not a single bill in four years is returned again and again, while vibrant, hardworking legislators are voted out,” he said.
Saraki also highlighted the challenges lawmakers face in accessing research and data needed for effective legislative work, noting that inadequate institutional support weakens oversight and policymaking.
Recalling his experience in the 7th Senate while investigating corruption in the fuel subsidy regime, he said he had to personally engage researchers within and outside Nigeria to obtain critical evidence.
“I had to engage researchers at home and abroad — some going as far as Liverpool — to obtain shipping records on the movement of supposed fuel cargoes. The records existed, but extracting and analysing them required resources few legislators command,” he said.
According to him, strengthening the research and data-gathering capacity of lawmakers is essential for improving the quality of legislation and oversight.
The former Senate President further advocated comprehensive electoral reforms, insisting that changes to electoral laws should not be delayed until the eve of elections.
“We must address the issue of electoral reform. This should never wait till the eve of an election before it is put in place,” Saraki stated.
