Abuja: A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government was good for the consolidation of the nation’s democracy. Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th Assembly, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onuigbo emphasized that a rancorous relationship within the government would only lead to delays in law-making and policy execution, which would not be in the interest of the populace. He stressed that the executive, legislature, and judiciary could work hand in hand without losing focus on their constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians.
Onuigbo remarked, “No system is perfect; not even the U.S. We cannot do a blanket condemnation of any arm of government. Though there may be some errors, it is not enough for a blanket condemnation of the legislature, judiciary, or executive.”
The former lawmaker, who is also a climate change activist, expressed concern that many Nigerians seem to think that the legislature was pandering to the executive. He highlighted that as an arm of government, lawmakers have played a crucial role in maintaining 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country.
He cited significant legislative interventions, such as the aborted third term agenda of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity, as measures that have rescued the nation’s democracy from imminent danger. Onuigbo stated, “The National Assembly shut down the third term agenda. At the same time, the application of the doctrine of necessity ensured that then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, took over power when then President Musa Yar’Adua was incapacitated.”
Onuigbo acknowledged that the legislature is still developing and finding its place in the democratic space, though there may be weaknesses. He noted that they have passed laws establishing institutions like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), which have strengthened the present democratic dispensation.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the legislature and other arms of government, noting that compared to other well-established democracies, Nigeria’s civilian rule is still in its early stages.