By: Bosun Olatunji & Macbeth Ojugbeli
Over the years the culture of going extra miles by Nigerian politicians to put smiles into the faces of those they represent have been watered and forgotten.
Therefore, following various complaints by constituents and with the negligence of the constituency developmental projects, this has raised a vital question of whose interest do they represent? the masses or a few rich?
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senators are gathered at a Lagos Hotel, with the view to review the 1999 Constitution. Yes, despite the fact that the call for the constitution review at this present time in Nigeria is a welcome idea, the major concern of every Nigerian is for the upper Chambers of the legislative to be credible in its doing as a result of the recent disagreements between the Executive and Legislative.
The red chamber house has a lot to do but Nigerians have lost great interest as a result of what comes out of the chamber’s deliberations during sessions. The question is why are we having a constitutional review when the citizens of the country have no clue on the follow – up of what is to be reviewed? Have we lost the dignity of public opinion and awareness in a country claiming true democratic system of government practice? Well, I think Nigerians deserve to know what the senate is about to review as without that, objectivity would be swept under the carpet while the masses continue to suffer.
Nigerians are beginning to sense the Senators are about to provide themselves with an immunity clause in the constitution, just as the constitution was reviewed on subjects to recalling member of the senate.
Nigerians are tired of self centred Senators that are not sensitive to the situation of the country, the masses are living in abject poverty, not to mention constituency projects that are not well executed or the numerous abandoned project when contractors are not paid as a result of diverted funds.
It is high time we sounded warnings to incapable legislative members through a thorough means of recalling. The power remains with the masses to vote during election periods and they can also recall any elected member that is selfish to serve as a note of lesson to any non performing member.
Thus, by so doing those ‘handicaped’ legislatures who have failed to follow the due process in listening to their district and constituency as a result of serving their godfathers will be used as scapegoat. This is the only way to invoke the sense of responsibility among the law makers.
However, we still call on Nigerians to voice out enmass and drop any fear so as to push for transparency and objectivity in the constitution review. Only this can help follow the process and avoid spiral of silence.
