By Dr Patrick Eholor
A recent exposé by Vanguard News has revealed that 24 senators have failed to sponsor a single bill in the last one year, effectively abdicating their responsibility as representatives of the Nigerian people.
This gross dereliction of duty is a violation of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which states in Section 63 that the Senate is responsible for “the passing of laws” and “making of laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation.”
This lack of legislative action by these senators is a stark reminder of the endemic corruption and incompetence that plague the Nigerian political system.
These elected officials, who are supposed to be the voice of the people and champions of their interests, have instead become a part of the problem, using their positions to enrich themselves and their cronies, while neglecting the pressing issues facing their constituents.
The fact that some of these senators have held office for multiple terms is particularly damning, as it shows a pattern of indifference to the needs of their communities.
The inaction of these 24 senators is a betrayal not only of their constituents but also of the democratic ideals that our country (Nigeria) was founded upon.
When elected officials fail to do their jobs, the consequences are felt by all of us. Bills that could have improved healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other areas of national development have been languishing in the Senate because of the laziness and ineptitude of these senators.
It is time for the Nigerian electorate to wake up and demand better from our elected officials.
While the blame ultimately lies with the 24 senators who have failed to fulfill their legislative duties, we must also hold accountable the young voters who helped put them in power.
Many young Nigerians, disillusioned by the country’s decades of misrule and corruption, have either abstained from voting or thrown their support behind populist candidates who promise quick fixes to complex problems.
But as the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility”. By not taking their voting rights seriously, young Nigerians have contributed to the broken political system that we are now grappling with.
The youth must recognize that the power to effect change lies in their hands.
Instead of falling prey to the seductive promises of corrupt politicians, they must demand accountability and transparency from their representatives, using their votes as a tool to effect positive change in the country.
Moreover, the youth must also engage in political education and activism, educating themselves about the issues that affect their communities and using their voices to challenge the status quo.
Only then can we begin to see a shift away from the culture of apathy and cynicism that has plagued our country for so long.
In conclusion, the failure of these 24 senators to perform their legislative duties is symptomatic of a larger rot in the Nigerian political system. But as we demand accountability from our leaders, we must also hold ourselves accountable for our role in perpetuating this system.
It is time for the youth to take up the mantle of leadership, not just in word but in deed.
We must be the agents of change that we seek, and we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of civic responsibility. Only then can we truly begin to build the Nigeria that we all deserve.
COMMENT: The more reason why we need to abolish the Senate and make our legislative arm unicameral.
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