For people like me who follow the activities
of the legislature with keen interest given my knowledge of the functions of
this arm of government which depicts the difference between democracy and other
systems of government, it is only mind-boggling to observe that the much
anticipated mandate of the legislature in Nigeria is not being used optimally
or better still, to the credit of the generality.
Recently, the National Assembly received an
autonomous status in the provisions of funds to finance its critical
activities. This would have been more robust if we as a people are actually
sincere and realize that the welfare of the people comes first then follows, integrity
of Nigerians especially the ones in elective positions. One of the features of true
democracy with regards to accountability is an independent legislature free
from executive interference. By independence, the legislature should have a
straight-line charge with regards to release of funds from its share from the
Consolidated Revenue Fund without the vigorous bureaucratic manoeuvring from
finance related (executive) government agencies. This also means that with a
well organized and direct system of finance, the legislature especially the
National Assembly can effectively carry out her functions including lawmaking,
representation and oversight.
The oversight function of the legislature in
Nigeria is enshrined by Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution. By virtue of its germane
and sole mandate to authorize expenditure from the purse derived from Section
81, the legislature is also saddled with the responsibility to cause
investigations into (executive) government spending. What this obviously postulates
is a system of checks and balances that is meant to institute judicious ways of
implementing the national budget for the benefit of all.
The picture I have tried to paint above
represents an ideal situation. The real situation however shows that oversight
functions in Nigeria do not guarantee a service to the people but reflects a
different agenda all together, call it personal interest!
How can a government Ministry, Department or
Agency you intend to investigate its budget spending activities, provide the itinerary
and necessary arrangements for the exercise and you expect that the result of
such exercise shall not dwell in futility? Can you bite the finger that feeds
you? The answers to these questions are as clear as the nose on our face! The adage,
he who pays the piper dictates the tune
further shows that until the legislature in Nigeria begins to spend its time
and resources on doing those things that truly reflect the aspirations of the
people, we shall continue to lament as to the huge amounts of salaries and
allowances of our legislators and the general expenditure of the legislature
since its return in 1999.
When Nigerian legislators embark on oversight
visits to government MDAs, the scenario suggests a sightseeing adventure (especially
those ones who visit the industrial sector) than a fact finding mission. Sometimes
these (executive) government MDAs even provide the vehicles to convey lawmakers
embarking on oversight.
What then are the monies appropriated for
oversight visits used for? Are we saying there is no money appropriated for an
obvious function of the legislature? If inadequate, the legislature knows
exactly what to do, since it remains the only institution responsible for
appropriating funds to service the nation and for the advancement of good governance
and state policy.
Whereas, oversight visits are meant to
advance development, they rather deplete the purse and end in futility. There is
apparent compromise on the aspect of legislators. Employments are done with the
consent of the lawmakers who enlist their preferred candidates (even when they
are not necessarily constituents) and therefore do not require vigorous enquiry
by respective committees of the legislature to determine equity in the spread
of employment. Lawmakers are offered contract opportunities to implement some
of the projects of MDAs. More so, there is currently a system of seasonal remuneration
to lawmakers; during Sallah, Easter, Christmas, Burial, Birthday and other
celebrations. There is no gainsaying that compromise negates development.
This does not mean that the legislature has
done nothing in this area of endavor. Applause must be given to them in
unveiling some of the ordeals (though insignificant) of government culminating
in the misuse and diversion of funds meant for public utility. What amuses me
most times is that they sometimes begin the process in a well fashioned manner,
thereby lifting our spirits, but end in the obvious (vague) manner we
anticipated. Look at the power sector and fuel subsidy probes, the intervention
in the aviation sector, pension scam, to name a few. Where did they end? No
single culprit was convicted for a crime that is punishable by death in other
countries. Rather, a minimal N750, 000 was awarded as penalty to an individual
who was found guilty of misappropriating about N27bn or there about. How sad,
the legislators never envisaged that their efforts would be frustrated by the
same laws they have the power to make or review.
There is this argument that legislative office
should be made selfless to encourage those who candidly wish to serve their people
vie for these positions. I agree totally with this assertion but I also want to
state that bulk of it lies with us human beings especially the acclaimed ordinary Nigerians. We must sacrifice
our old ways of doings things, of not paying attention to the activities of
those we voted for (when we really come out to vote and ensure that our votes
count) so we can keep legislative office holders on their toes, giving them the
required push to pursue selfless service to the nation and its citizens at the
expense of self interest. We must resist voter apathy, vote in subsequent
elections and ensure that the notion of one man, one vote prevails. Only so,
would governance attract our attention and vigilance would ensure that those
who go out of our wishes and aspirations are shoved aside for better
representation. Under this situation, while those who we voted to represent us
help to check the excesses of the executive arm, we, the people shall also
oversight on our representatives. Obviously, we shall be enshrining a new
system of government that is mindful of every single Nigerian. 
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