Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed concern over what he described as the diminishing strength of Nigeria’s National Assembly, warning that unless urgent efforts are made to reverse the trend, the country’s democracy could suffer serious setbacks.
Though billed to address the joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, June 12, 2025, Saraki was unable to deliver his full remarks due to time constraints. However, the statement was later made available to the public via his official Facebook handle.
In his reflection titled “The National Assembly and Nigeria’s Democracy in the Last 26 Years,” Saraki congratulated Nigerians on over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, noting that it came at a high cost. “This achievement is a result of the sacrifice and perseverance by all of us,” he said, adding that “we deserve a pat on the back for this.”
He paid glowing tributes to the known and unknown heroes of the struggle against military rule. “From the known political leaders to the unsung and unknown protesters on the streets who lost their lives, limbs, and livelihoods during the fight against military rule—may Almighty God bless all their souls,” he stated.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for attending the joint parliamentary session in person, Saraki noted the significance of the gesture. “Among the three arms of government, the one that best symbolizes, represents, and exemplifies democracy is the parliament,” he said. “Today’s gathering indicates clearly that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy.”
He revisited major defining moments in the country’s democratic journey where the legislature played a pivotal role—from resisting tenure elongation in the 5th Assembly to invoking the doctrine of necessity during the 6th Assembly, and standing firm against executive overreach in the 8th Assembly. “The same parliament had played a key role at critical periods in the life of our country,” he said.
However, Saraki was quick to point out that the institution is not what it used to be. “Except we are here to lie to ourselves, we must acknowledge the fact that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be,” he lamented.
While stating that the legislature must accept its own share of the blame, he also accused the executive and judiciary of undermining the legislature. “From interference in its choice of leadership, misunderstanding its oversight role, and taking its occasional ‘No’ as being antagonistic, the National Assembly has often come under unwarranted and systemic attack.”
He charged the lawmakers to be intentional about making the institution stronger. “We all need to realise that by its nature, its role and character, the parliament is created to say the truth to power and scrutinize what the executive is doing,” he said.
Saraki warned that if the legislature fails to remain the people’s voice, it risks losing relevance. “If the National Assembly is made helpless and hopeless to the extent that the people cannot find succour there, then they will be left with no option but to run to the streets. And this is dangerous for our democracy,” he cautioned.
He also stressed the importance of preserving the multiparty system, describing the ‘Aye’ and ‘Nay’ voting system as a key part of parliamentary ethos. “It is not expected to be one-sided, one party, and one way… While the majority have their way, the minority must have their say.”
Looking ahead, the former Senate President called for greater youth and women participation in the legislative process, especially following the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill.
Saraki rounded off by thanking the 10th National Assembly for inviting him despite being in the opposition. He took a veiled jab at the past administration, revealing that his official portrait was removed from the Senate gallery for four years. “It was brought in just recently. I thank my good friend, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for that,” he said, noting that political disagreements should never erode the spirit of parliamentary culture.
“Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians. God bless our dear country. God bless us all,” he concluded.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
