The recent invasion of the National Assembly by the Department For State Security Services which has sparked global condemnation has opened up more debate on the need for the restructuring of the monstrous political structure to ensure Independent legislature in Nigeria.
The Executive and Legislature should be independent of each other in a democracy. The essence of this constitutional seperation of power is to ''check and balance each other''. Seeking the control of the legislature undermines this constitutional requirement for a functional democracy by compromising the process of the legislature holding the executive to account.
According to The Economic Times, India Blogs; "The legislature makes laws and also holds the executive to account. Elected members ask questions in parliament to which the executive must provide answers. They work in committees, whose findings influence laws and force the government to justify its conduct"-[The Executive And Legislature should Be Independent of Each Other, June 5 2015; Editorials].
While we commend the intervention of the acting President, Professor Osibanjo to avert an extreme danger, the government must demonstrate increased commitment to respect the constitution and ensure that the legislature carries out its statutory function without undue interference by the state.
Seeking control of the legislature reinforces the need for the restructuring of our political structure to guarantee independence, credibility, proportional representation. The members should be men of intergrity, experience and expertise who put the country above personal gains often engineered by the government and political parties.
The legislators should do the needful, reform the 1999 military constitution to enhance proper seperation of military and civilian power so that we can have a fair and just society built on equity and justice. Independent legislature is one sure way to enjoy a stable democratic governance that guarantees freedom and stability. Now is the time to act as we seek collective solution to the nations problems.
The politicians should avoid confrontation and divisive actions at time when tensions are already high. Those in leadership have extra obligation to be very careful and lead by example by following the due process. Democracy is by ballot not bullet. Nigerians have demonstrated a great resolve not to go back to the dark ages, the politicians must take note of this. The government must embrace a modern society seeking a radical shift from the past, fighting the golden age doesn't seem to be the answer.
Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur, the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation.
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