10th National Assembly: Avoiding the excesses of the executive

This week, the 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated. The only constitutional role of the president here is proclamation. 

Based on the doctrine of separation of powers embedded in the presidential system of government, and internal orders of the assembly, it is the exclusive right of the elected members of the National Assembly to choose their leaders; not President Tinubu, not APC. 

Ironically, in Nigeria, the executive arm of government from Obasanjo to Tinubu, has always interfered with the National Assembly leadership selection process. This is due to their lack of tolerance to even weak opposition and their dishonest tendencies. They feel it is too risky to let members of the National Assembly decide who should lead them. 

The situation under Bola Tinubu is taking a frightening dimension. He has already selected leaders of the 10th assembly. Whether they like it or not, the Red Chamber will be led by God’swill Akpabio with Senator Barau Jibril to play the role of the second fiddle. 

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Also, BAT has selected Tajuddeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu to lead the Green Chamber. 

And anybody who dared to challenge this executive selection would be witch-hunted as insinuated by those close to the presidency. The whole notion of separation of power has been now thrown to the dogs. 

Having a puppet leadership at the National Assembly means, bad governance. It also means the very essence of checks and balances has been defeated.  It is generally believed that the two chosen heads of the chambers cannot checkmate the excesses of the executive. The results will be tyranny and dictatorship. 

Comrade Bishir Dauda sent this from Sabuwar Unguwa Katsina