Former Senator and pro-democracy activist Shehu Sani has urged members of the National Assembly to prioritize their responsibilities to the nation over personal interests. Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) week, Sani emphasized the need for lawmakers to protect the integrity of the legislature and avoid actions that could weaken its influence.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Sustainable Democracy and Nation Building,” Sani compared the current National Assembly to the 8th Assembly, led by Senator Bukola Saraki, which he commended for resisting undue interference from the executive.
“In our time, heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) respected our authority and took oversight functions seriously. It’s concerning that this respect is eroding,” he said, warning that the legislature could lose its relevance if it becomes overly submissive to the executive.
Sani cautioned lawmakers against being “rubber stamps” for the presidency, noting that excessive cooperation could lead to tyranny. He also advised the Senate President to ensure that executive nominees and proposals are thoroughly scrutinized, instead of being approved automatically.
“You’re here to represent the people, not to serve as sycophants to the executive. Your legacy will be defined by your courage on critical issues, not the duration of your service,” he added.
The former senator highlighted the importance of legislative aides, describing them as the backbone of the legislature, who play a key role in drafting laws and shaping policies.
Sani’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for the National Assembly to reclaim its independence and strengthen its oversight functions for the sake of democracy and good governance.
