Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has asserted that among the three arms of government, legislators are the most misunderstood and often attacked by Nigerians. Akpabio mentioned that citizens tend to blame lawmakers for a wide range of issues, even those not directly under their control. He highlighted the challenges faced by legislators, stating that people often don’t comprehend the multifaceted nature of their roles.
Akpabio made these remarks at the 100th birthday colloquium of Senator Kunle Oyero, a Second Republic lawmaker. He pointed out that the metrics used by the electorate to measure legislators’ performance differ from the syllabus that outlines their roles, emphasizing that lawmakers face pressure to deliver tangible, material benefits to their constituents.
However, Sunday Oduntan, the Global President of the Abeokuta Grammar School Old Boys Association (AGSOBA), suggested that lawmakers should work part-time. He expressed that the major issue lies in the structure and the way things are done, emphasizing the importance of implementing laws effectively.
The comments from both Akpabio and Oduntan reflect the ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding the role and performance of lawmakers in Nigeria. The discussion extends beyond the legislative arm and involves considerations of governance structures, citizen expectations, and effective law implementation.