When the ninth National Assembly is inaugurated this month, some of its longest-serving members are expected to return to the hallowed chambers and play crucial roles in the next legislative session. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI looks at some of the antecedents of affected lawmakers and the parts they would play in the assembly.
ALL over the world, lawmaking is regarded as one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits. Like old wine, legislators mature the longer they serve. While new legislators bring fresh ideas, experience matters when it comes to crafting legislative proposals. Frequent kicking out of popular and competent lawmakers ultimately results in a bad return on the investment of time spent learning and mastering the ins and outs of policymaking at that level.
But, in Nigeria, an opportunity to serve at the National Assembly is often regarded as a way of rewarding committed party stalwarts or political protégées. As a result, politicians often frown at the idea of lawmakers serving multiple terms, because a chance to serve is widely seen as a form of empowerment. So, frequent change of candidates by ruling parties would make the largesse go round. Read more
