Senate’s action in withholding confirmation of RECs amounts to abdication of responsibility.
After the 2015 general elections, it was expected that the eighth National Assembly would improve on the performance of its predecessors, having learnt some useful lessons. Unlike the situation in 1999, many of the elected senators in 2015 were ranking, with some having served in that capacity since the inauguration of the Fourth Republic. But, mid-way into their tenure, it appears things are getting worse.
The events of the past few weeks, in particular the screening of Mr. Ibrahim Magu for chairmanship of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the summoning of Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, to answer queries on review of the import duties on motor vehicles, and the very recent decision to decline screening presidential nominees for the post of Resident Electoral Commissioners, suggest that this Senate is determined to sink the ship of state.
The Senate had argued that the executive was aiding officials to disregard its decisions and resolutions, thus undermining the legislature. It cited President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to act on the Senate’s rejection of Mr. Magu’s nomination and failure to sack the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, as two of such instances. It also blamed the President-in-Council for the refusal of the Comptroller General of Customs to appear at plenary in a Customs uniform, claiming he received tacit support from the executive arm of government, especially with the letter sent by the Attorney General of the Federation.
Consequently, it took two unsavoury decisions. First, it chose to set aside the confirmation process for nominees for the Resident Electoral Commissioners for two weeks within which it believes the President would have acceded to all its demands. Second, the chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who had credited the President with the power to keep Mr. Magu in office in acting capacity until such a time that the Senate would confirm him, came under heavy attack. For describing the senators as childish and irresponsible in their actions, the matter was referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate. He is being summoned to point out senators he referred to as having questionable character.
This is another phase of the face-off between the two major arms of government. We appreciate the olive branch handed out by the Federal Executive Council in setting up a committee to interface with the legislature and ensure that the business of governance does not grind to a halt. Under the leadership of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and with former senators in the Council as members, it is expected that a middle ground would be found in resolving the crisis.
We are miffed by the decision of the Senate to set aside its primary responsibility because it feels offended by presidential action or inaction. It must be pointed out to the legislators that the state accorded them so much privilege that they may perform their functions without let or hindrance. The procedure known to law is that when two arms of government or institutions of state are unable to find accommodation on any matter, the courts are beckoned on to adjudicate. By seeking to arm-twist the executive, the Senate has fallen short of the democratic standard.
At a time when many Nigerians are groaning under the yoke of economic downturn and the budget is yet to be passed at the end of the first quarter, a responsible legislature should not be threatening a shut-down of business, directly or indirectly. The lawmakers were not elected to carry placards or carry out civil protests. They were seen as leaders who would be able to mediate in disputes in the land and cooperate with the executive in ensuring that the security and welfare of the people are given effect at all times as enshrined in S. 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
All the pranks that have kept Nigeria rooted on the same spot must stop. The task of pulling the country out of the doldrums devolves on the three arms of government. It is even more unfortunate that the two arms of government in conflict are controlled by the same political party. The indiscipline being exhibited is a function of failure of the party system. We call on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to quickly put its house in order. Its inability to make the organs of the party functional and rein in officials in government is at the root of the excruciating pain being felt by the people today.
We advise the Senate to seize the opportunity provided by the Osinbajo Committee to redeem itself in the eyes of the public. Nigeria is bigger than anyone or institution. Therefore, those who hold the sacred trust of the people should act in the common interest at all times.
