By Milcah Tanimu

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has asserted that among the three branches of government, lawmakers face the most unjust criticism and misunderstanding from Nigerians. He contends that citizens often hold legislators responsible for issues beyond their direct control.

Speaking at the 100th birthday colloquium of Second Republic lawmaker Senator Kunle Oyero in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Akpabio, represented by Senator Shuaib Salisu of Ogun Central, noted that the legislature is frequently a target of ridicule and attack, with people questioning the efficacy of lawmakers’ contributions.

Akpabio remarked, “The one arm of government that people don’t really understand and is always a subject of ridicule and attack is the legislature. In fact, people sometimes don’t think legislators do anything at all.”

He further emphasized that lawmakers are often judged based on tangible achievements like the distribution of transformers and other material benefits to their constituents, making it crucial for legislators to go beyond such metrics.

In a contrasting viewpoint, Sunday Oduntan, the Global President of AGSOBA (Abeokuta Grammar School Old Boys Association), proposed that lawmakers should adopt a part-time working arrangement. Oduntan highlighted the structural challenges in the system and the need for effective law implementation, stressing that blame should not be solely assigned but rather focused on improving the political landscape.

The debate over the role and perception of lawmakers in Nigeria continues, with discussions ranging from the public’s expectations to calls for a reconsideration of legislative work patterns.