LunagisthubWhy the 10th National Assembly Failed to Deliver: A Senator’s Perspective
The 10th National Assembly’s inability to effectively discharge its responsibilities can be attributed to the manner in which its leadership emerged, according to Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Umeh expressed his concerns about the National Assembly’s independence, citing the President’s open endorsement of the leadership .
Umeh pointed out that the President’s direct involvement in choosing the legislature’s leadership created a peculiar situation that undermined the National Assembly’s ability to operate independently. He noted that some lawmakers opposed the President’s interference, arguing that the National Assembly should have elected its leaders independently .
The senator revealed that lawmakers who held this view were harassed on television and other platforms, but eventually accepted the outcome after the endorsed candidates won the leadership elections. Umeh stated that the Senate President and Speaker, having been openly supported by the executive arm of government, emerged through a process that made it difficult for the legislature to assert its independence .
The senator’s comments highlight the challenges facing the National Assembly in asserting its independence and effectively discharging its responsibilities. The open support of the executive arm of government for the legislature’s leadership has raised concerns about the separation of powers and the ability of the National Assembly to hold the executive accountable
As the National Assembly continues to grapple with these challenges, it remains to be seen how the legislature will assert its independence and effectively discharge its responsibilities. One thing is certain, however: the National Assembly’s ability to do so will have significant implications for the country’s democracy and development .
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