…Saraki warned that democracy becomes vulnerable when legislative institutions lose their independence.
LAGOS, NIGERIA- The iNews Time| Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has cautioned that democracy is threatened when the legislature fails to carry out its constitutional responsibility of scrutinising the actions of the executive arm of government.
Saraki made the remarks on Friday during The Platform Nigeria Special June 12 Lecture in Lagos, an event organised by the Covenant Christian Centre to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration. The lecture, themed “Governance, Democracy and National Security,” brought together political leaders, professionals and citizens to reflect on the state of the nation’s democracy.
Speaking at the event, Saraki drew from his experience in public office, stressing that the effectiveness of democratic governance depends largely on the ability of the legislature to operate independently and carry out its oversight functions without fear or interference.
According to him, a parliament that simply approves executive proposals without proper examination fails in its constitutional duty and weakens the foundations of democracy.
“A legislature that cannot challenge or question executive actions is not fulfilling its purpose. When lawmakers merely endorse government proposals without adequate scrutiny, they reduce the legislature to a ceremonial institution rather than an effective arm of government,” he said.
He warned that democracy becomes vulnerable when legislative institutions lose their independence, noting that unquestioned decisions by the executive could erode public trust in governance.
Saraki further explained that legislative independence should not be mistaken for opposition to the government. Rather, he said, lawmakers must be allowed to critically assess government policies and decisions in the interest of accountability and good governance.
He recalled facing criticism during his tenure as Senate President for maintaining an independent National Assembly, noting that such criticism often misunderstands the constitutional role of the legislature.
“The duty of parliament is not to oppose government for the sake of opposition, but to ensure that government actions are properly examined and that the public interest is protected,” he stated.
The former Senate President argued that an independent legislature ultimately strengthens the legitimacy of any administration because government policies and decisions gain greater public confidence when subjected to debate, oversight and accountability.
He also described the National Assembly as a critical stabilising institution in any democracy, saying it serves as a platform where public concerns and political tensions can be addressed through lawful and democratic processes.
According to him, when such institutions are weakened, unresolved tensions may find expression in more dangerous and destabilising ways.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic history, Saraki pointed to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, arguing that the failure was not due to the Nigerian people but to the inability of key institutions to defend the popular will.
He maintained that the country’s democratic challenges can only be addressed through stronger institutions rather than reduced political participation.
“The lesson from our history is clear. Democracy is protected not only by elections but also by strong institutions capable of defending the will of the people and holding power accountable,” he said.
Saraki concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, describing them as the foundation for sustainable governance, accountability and national development.
