Executive, legislature cordial relationship good for Nigeria’s democracy–Ex-lawmaker
By Uche Anunne
A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government was good for the consolidation of the nation’s democracy.
Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th Assembly, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said a rancorous relationship in the government would only lead to delays in law-making and policy execution, a development he said would not be in the interest of the populace.
Onuigbo said that the executive, legislature and judiciary could work hand in hand without losing focus on their constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians.
“No system is perfect; not even the U.S. We cannot do a blanket condemnation of any arm of government.
“Though there may be some errors, it is not enough for a blanket condemnation of the legislature, judiciary or executive,’’ he said.
Onuigbo, who is also a climate change activist, said it was unfortunate that many Nigerians seem to think that the legislature was pandering to the executive.
According to him, as an arm of government, lawmakers have contributed their quota towards ensuring the 26 years of uninterrupted democracy the country has enjoyed.
He cited the aborted third term agenda of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity incapacitated as part of the legislative interventions that rescued the nation’s democracy of imminent danger.
“The National Assembly shut down the third term agenda. At the same time, the application of the doctrine of necessity ensured that then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, took over power when then President Musa Yar’Adua was incapacitated.
“The legislature is growing; it is finding its feet in the democracy space, though there may be weaknesses.
“They have passed laws that produced institutions like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) that strengthened the present democratic dispensation,’’ Onuigbo said.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the legislature and other arms of government, adding that when compared to other well established democracies, Nigeria’s civilian rule was still in embryo stage. (NAN)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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