Nigerians Back Calls For Part-Time Legislators

 …Say It Will Be Cost Effective, Accommodate Diversity  

LAGOS – Nigerians have ex­pressed support for the call for part-time legislators at the fed­eral and state levels to check corruption and reduce cost of governance.

Prof John Ebhomien, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and financial expert, said: “The clarion call for part-time legislators is a good devel­opment.

“Sincerely speaking, this call is very germaine at these chal­lenging times in our economy. I hope this call will see the light of the day.

“The point must be made clear to the legislators to lead by example and key into this laudable idea. This is time for sacrifice for Nigerians in all endeavours. The governments at all levels must cut the cost of governance in all ramifications. The EFCC and ICPC must dis­charge their responsibilities with a high sense of probity and accountability.

“They must go back to the drawing board to proffer solu­tions on how to nib in the bud the hydra-headed problems of corruption, which has eaten deep into our economy.

“All hands must be on deck to support this all-important call for part-time legislators in our country.”

Dr. John Kome, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief­tain, one of those who spoke to Sunday Independent on the is­sue, stated: “The first question I love to ask is: How many dem­ocratic countries run part-time legislators? Again, what are the reasons Nigerians want part-time legislators?”

Dr. Kome continued: “Nigeria should adopt such a legislative system if politicians were true to themselves.

“In other climes, they see that office as a means to serve their community, constituents and their nation, whereas here in Ni­geria, it is a place where money and opportunities are shared, hence people kill, maim and do everything possible to belong.

“Those who are calling for a part-time National Assembly (and State Houses of Assembly) actually are not out of reality considering the situation with our country.

“Making it a part-time office for loyal liberals will actually push away the business men out of that important parliamentary office where good laws for credi­ble governance are enacted.

“Come to think of it, this cur­rent legislative arm of govern­ment is unexciting, considering what is happening right now at both chambers.”

Bishop Dr Basil Bernard, President, Basil Bernard Min­istry International Inc., Faith Unlimited Christian Centre, Lagos, said: “I support the call for part-time legislators in this country because of the huge cost of running the legislature at both the National and State Houses of Assembly.

“How can a country like Nigeria, having been blessed abundantly through the love and mercy of the Almighty God and few individuals take most of the blessings in the name of full-time legislators?

“What are they legislating? Now see where we are today as a country. Do we look like a coun­try making progress?

“Do we look like a country having better legislators and leg­islations? What is so special that the legislators are doing full-time that they cannot do part-time, if they are sincere and really want to serve and represent their peo­ple and build a better society for them?

“It is unbelievable that people have killed their conscience in this part of the world despite our being so religious.

“Why do our leaders like im­poverishing the masses? Why do they derive joy in the suffering of the people, especially nowa­days?

“Look at the huge amount of money being spent on them which would have been used to develop this country if they are legislating on Part-Time bases.

“We have read and heard how much millions of naira every legislator takes home, while the people they represent are wal­lowing in abject poverty.

“The most annoying aspect of it is that they keep on increas­ing their salaries, allowances, welfare and benefits, while the issue of worker’s minimum wage keeps hanging year in, year out. And it does not bother them at all.

“In the days of former Pres­ident Shehu Shagari, the sala­ries of legislators were not up to N100,000. But, today, it is in millions of naira.

“When you raise the issue before them, they will tell you things have changed. Yes, things have changed for them, but not for the people they represent.

“In their legislation, they make sure everything is going well for them, but not for their constituents and ordinary Ni­gerians.

“The call for part-time legisla­tors in this country is a right call. And it is the right time to cut the cost of governance and bring faster and better development for our country and our people.”

Dr Frank Freds Nwosu, a management expert, stated: “The call for part-time legis­lators in the country is very laudable. This will likely cut down the cost of governance, if implemented.

“But, the concern here is that it never may, because the very individuals licensed to legislate on this patriotic initiative, are the very persons whose incomes from the national treasury will be negatively affected.

“So, how could this happen? This is the major knotty aspect that will determine the possibil­ity.”

Bishop Dr Ekechukwu, a cleric and economist, stated: “In as much as I support part-time legislature, that alone cannot re­sult in cost effective legislation.

“My reasons for supporting a part-time legislature are as fol­lows. It allows a diverse assem­bly which will draw individuals from various careers due to the part time commitment

“Secondly, hours of meet­ings are used effectively and efficiently because when the Distinguished Senators and Honourable members meet, they face the business of the day

“Part-time legislature foster efficiently by prioritising es­sential bills it makes adequate citizens participation, the parlia­mentarians live and work with the people, hence they feel the pains and sufferings of the peo­ple and this with surely reflect on the quality of bills passed into law

“It will not be a drain on the economy. Costs like housing, of­fice accommodations, car loans, etc, are removed

“Flexibility of meeting ses­sions as this is the ability of the government to call for special sessions in the case of emer­gencies.

“Structural diversity: The parliamentary structure allows for individuals from a wide range of professionalism and backgrounds to serve, thus en­riching the legislation process with diverse perspectives and expertise.

“The effectiveness and effi­ciency of the part-time legis­lature will contribute faster to economic prosperity.

“In Nigeria where retired old men and women dominate the political scene, with part-time legislature, younger generations with sharp brains and creative minds will be attracted to poli­tics.”