Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, describing it as a weakened version of what the country’s parliament should stand for.
Speaking during a special session to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, Saraki pointed to poor leadership and external interference as major causes of the legislature’s decline.
According to Saraki: “Let me now say that except we are here to lie to ourselves, we must acknowledge the fact that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be.”
“Today, we seem to be drifting backwards. And we don’t have to go far to find the reason for this sad development.”
“I am convinced that this is not only the fault of the legislature and its leadership. The executive and judiciary have consistently played key roles in undermining and weakening the National Assembly.”
Saraki challenged the current lawmakers to rethink their role, urging them to rebuild the institution for the sake of future generations. He warned that allowing the parliament to become powerless would damage the country’s democratic progress.
“If the National Assembly is made helpless and hopeless to the extent that the people cannot find succour there, then they will be left with no option but to run to the streets. And this is dangerous for our democracy,” he said.
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He also reminded the lawmakers that their core responsibility lies in checking the executive, not aligning with it blindly.
His comments come at a time when critics have accused the 10th National Assembly of surrendering its independence and acting as a “rubber stamp” for the executive.
In response, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, defended the Assembly’s approach, saying that cooperation with the executive does not mean weakness.
Adaramodu stated the legislature only supports initiatives that benefit the Nigerian people. He dismissed claims of undue influence, saying the National Assembly retains its independence despite the close ties.
Saraki’s remarks highlight growing public concerns about the balance of power in Nigeria’s democracy and whether the legislature is still playing its watchdog role effectively.