The legislative arm of government has been described by some as the most powerful of the three arms. In more developed countries, the seat of the legislature is revered as it is not just an overpaid position but a role that bestows the representatives the power to change the course of lives of members of society by the policies they could bring to life.
The legislature is an assembly of representatives of a people, who deliberate and make laws for the country. It is an arm of government like the executive and judiciary. In Nigeria, the Legislature is bi-cameral i.e. it is divided into two levels or chambers; the Senate (the upper chamber) and the House of Representatives (The lower chamber). Each chamber is made up of a number of representatives of each state in Nigeria, making decisions and policies on behalf of the people of that state. Basically, this means that the legislature is supposed to carry the intention of their constituents to the house to deliberate on it with the goal of achieving it for the benefit of the constituency.
Besides making laws, the legislature has the functions of creating the government’s budget, overseeing and investigating the actions of the other arms of government, confirming executive appointments, impeachment and removal of members of the executive and judiciary from office, and addressing constituents’ grievances. The legislature is more powerful than a lot of people believe and their capabilities and role towards attaining a genuinely democratic society often go unnoticed.
In a truly democratic society, the essence of logic, dialogue, debate, choice, and consensus over policies meant for the public is emphasized. As it is a government by and for the people as much as it is of the people, the people must be seen to have participated in the government, even though through representatives, and as a result, the benefit to the people must be seen in not just the laws that result from these deliberations but in whatever matter arises and is discussed accordingly as well.
In that light, the legislative function of oversight is regarded as an important one in the promotion of public interest. Oversight in the sense of checking the exercise of constitutional powers of the other arms of government and curbing their excesses. Particularly to check the exercise of powers by the executive arm to bring them to account before their electorate. In essence, the voice of the citizenry is not just to be heard via the media or provoked protests and actions, it is to be heard also through the mouths of the legislators elected to represent the citizens.
It is true that Nigeria has a plethora of laws, albeit some of them in dire need of amendment, however, the situation of the country at this time goes beyond enacting laws to add to the many already present that are not implemented, not known or, in many cases, not accessible. The present situation calls for, if I may, something in the likes of an emergency protocol. Powers should be checked, actions should be assessed and investigated, essentially, a response to at least, any of the many woes of the country should be practically addressed by the legislative arm.
The citizens, though, have a role to play in this regard. They must be aware of the mechanics of their government and the available routes to attain real change. They must also be conscious of their power and right to rule themselves i.e. to be represented or heard; in that vein, to vote someone who would properly carry their voices with them, not just into the executive offices (president and governors) but into the legislative seats as well.
By Chinenye Mbachu.
