Abuja: A political science expert, Dr. Lawrence Odeh, has advocated for the implementation of more stringent laws aimed at reducing the frequent defections of serving legislators in Nigeria’s state and national parliaments. Odeh, from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Benson Idahosa University, Benin, emphasized that such measures would play a role in strengthening the country’s democratic framework.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Odeh articulated his views during an interview in Abuja, highlighting the need for a legislative approach to address the challenges posed by frequent party-switching among lawmakers. He proposed the creation of a law that mandates legislative leadership to form a committee upon receiving reports of defection. This committee, composed of legislators with high integrity, would investigate the reasons behind the defections to ensure they align with constitutional provisions.
Odeh further explained that if the committee finds the defections to violate constitutional guidelines, the legislative leader should declare the defectors’ seats vacant. He also suggested that the committee’s findings be subject to approval by a majority of parliamentary members in a plenary session.
The political science expert emphasized the importance of setting a specific time frame for the committee to conduct its investigation and submit its findings. Odeh believes that this institutional building approach, along with other recommendations from policy analysts, could help address the institutional deficit affecting Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and propel the nation toward sustainable development.