Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday publicly kicked against repeated calls by Nigerians to adopt part-time legislators as part of ongoing political reforms.
Hon. Abbas, who stated this in Abuja while declaring open the one-day ‘National Dialogue on a Home-Grown Parliamentary System of Government’, however, described the ongoing advocacy by the 83 lawmakers as “timely, as it speaks directly to the aspirations of our people for a governance system that reflects our values, priorities, and cultural identity.”
He, however, noted that “a home-grown parliamentary system must not only reflect the procedural aspects of governance but also the intrinsic values, goals, and cultural nuances of the people it serves. It should be a leadership model grounded in substance, not merely in style. This, I believe, is the essence of indigenous governance; it is about crafting a legislative system that resonates with the everyday realities, aspirations, and diversity of the Nigerian people.
“As we examine potential reforms, I am aware that a unicameral system of government is often discussed. However, we must recognise that Nigeria’s vast geographical and cultural diversity poses unique demands. Unlike smaller or more homogeneous nations, our bicameral system has enabled us to balance representation across regions and ethnic groups, enhancing inclusivity and participation in the democratic process. Any significant structural change must, therefore, be carefully considered within the context of Nigeria’s complexities to avoid unintended consequences.
“Some have also suggested adopting part-time legislators. However, I must respectfully challenge this notion, as it may underestimate the profound responsibility that legislators bear. A legislator’s duties, comprising of law-making, representation, and oversight, are demanding and require substantial time and commitment. Government is not a casual endeavour; it is a serious business that demands full attention, accountability, and dedication.
“Our focus should instead be on embedding our legislative values into a homegrown model. To enhance resilience and professionalism, the National Assembly has prioritised continuous training and capacity building. Committees, leadership structures, members, administrative personnel, legislative aides, and support staff undergo consistent development programmes on diverse topics, all aimed at delivering on our legislative agenda for the benefit of Nigerians.”
While noting that dialogues like this are indispensable, Speaker Abbas, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, argued the exercises “open avenues for fresh perspectives and innovative insights, broadening our understanding and revealing paths that we may not have previously considered.
“I eagerly look forward to reviewing the report from this dialogue and the various recommendations for building a truly home-grown parliamentary system for Nigeria.”
Other stakeholders who spoke during the event averred that the American model of presidential democracy has done more harm than good for Nigeria, particularly in the last 25 years of the country’s democratic journey.
In remarks, a former Presidential Aide, Dr Usman Bugaje, who was Guest Speaker at the event, said the last 25 years of the presidential democracy had not actually given Nigerian citizens what they were expecting from their governments but rather deepened poverty, escalating security, and mind-boggling corruption.
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