Saraki urges stronger parliament as Nigeria marks Democracy Day

By Kunle Sanni

Former Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, has called for urgent measures to strengthen Nigeria’s legislature, warning that the National Assembly risks losing its vibrancy and independence if current trends continue.

Saraki made the call in a statement on Wednesday to commemorate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day, which he also shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

Congratulating Nigerians and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the anniversary, Saraki praised the sacrifices of democracy heroes who, according to him, laid the foundation for the freedoms the nation now enjoys.

Speaking at the Democracy Day ceremony held inside the National Assembly chamber in Abuja, Saraki commended President Tinubu for marking the event at the heart of the legislature, describing the choice of venue as a powerful symbol.

“This symbolic action speaks volumes. It is an acknowledgment that, among the three arms of government, the one that best symbolises, represents, and exemplifies democracy is the parliament,” he said.

Recalling pivotal moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Saraki noted that the National Assembly had historically resisted attempts to derail civil rule — from defying military intimidation during the annulled June 12, 1993, election to blocking the third-term agenda in the Fifth Assembly.

However, he expressed concern that the institution has since lost much of its assertiveness.

“Except we want to deceive ourselves, we must acknowledge that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be,” Saraki warned.

He stressed that rebuilding the legislature’s independence is vital for the survival of democracy, urging lawmakers, the executive, and the judiciary to resist undermining the institution.