NASS: Much Ado About Status

By Kunle Somorin

Let me start this piece with an anecdote. The setting would be in the heart of Abuja. A grand masquerade ball unfolded, hosted by National Assembly members. Each guest wore elaborate costumes symbolizing their perceived importance. The more extravagant the attire, the greater their sense of self-worth.

As the night wore on, the dance floor became a battleground, with lawmakers clashing in a frenzy of one-upmanship. The air reverberated with boasts of “I am the greatest” and “My constituency is the most important.”

Then, a wise sage appeared, carrying a mirror. “Gaze into this glass and behold the true reflection of your endeavours,” the sage declared. The lawmakers hesitated, but curiosity prevailed. As they peered into the mirror, they saw not their costumes but the faces of their forlorn, forgotten constituents.

“You sought this office to serve, not self-serve,” the sage reminded them. “Your greatness lies not in titles but in the positive impact you create.” As the night closed, lawmakers departed, masks removed, eyes opened to their true purpose.

I simulate this allegory to represent the drama, a spectacle, indeed on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Their quest for equal status with the Senate has become a farcical struggle, with the House ultimately being the laughingstock.

It all began when Cyril Agbese raised concerns about the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) being awarded to the Senate President, while the Speaker of the House and Deputy Senate President receive the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), “creating an unfair hierarchy.”

This disparity, he says, is particularly striking, considering the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who ranks lower than the Speaker, also holds the GCON title.

Truth is the constitution clearly establishes equal status between the Senate and House of Representatives, with distinct responsibilities to maintain a system of checks and balances. While the Senate confirms presidential appointments, like ministers, ambassadors, and other key federal appointments, the House strength lies in it greater authority over appropriations and the power of the purse.

Indeed, proponents of a change in status quo, whatever that means, argue that notable Nigerians without elective office experience, such as Aliko Dangote and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have received the GCON. What an analogy! They contend that honouring the Speaker with the GCON is essential for democracy and rectifying this “longstanding injustice.”

Again, the House of Reps’ push for equality appears to be a power grab rather than a genuine attempt to promote legislative harmony. The motion to confer GCON on the Speaker is unnecessary and potentially divisive. National honours are symbolic, and constitutional balance already exists. Lawmakers should prioritize substantive issues like economic development, security, and healthcare over symbolic titles. In seeking to elevate their status, the House of Reps has inadvertently undermined their own authority and relevance. The House of Representatives should recognize its existing co-equal status and significant powers rather than pursuing a futile quest for prestige.

The ongoing debate in NASS is a stark reminder that the country’s lawmakers are bogged down in trivial matters. As Hon. Abdulmummin Jibrin’s astutely observed the issue should transcends titular distinctions. The National Honours Act of 1964, which limits GCON awards to two per annum, has only served to exacerbate the disparity . At any rate, no Speaker in Nigeria’s history has been conferred with GCON. The last speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, tried in 2021 and failed. Ironically, he’s today’s President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff. This echoes the wisdom of “be careful what you wish for.”

It’s astounding that some legislators are proposing to reassign the CJN’s GCON honour to the Speaker or even suggest that the Chief Justice’s GCON be withdrawn to make way for the Speaker. This is nothing short of an exercise in futility if the real issue at hand is the need for clarity on legislative roles and honours to ensure parity and dignity within our bicameral system.

Unfortunately, the House has set up an ad hoc committee, chaired by Julius Ihonvbere, to interface with the Ministry of Special Duties and push for their demands. Ihonvbere, a respected scholar and apostle of Prof. Claude Ake should know better. The controversy surrounding the balance of power between the Senate and House of Representatives is not unique to Nigeria.

In fact, many countries with bicameral systems have successfully navigated this challenge. The United States, for instance, has equal powers between the Senate and House of Representatives, with joint committees and bipartisan negotiations facilitating cooperation.

The United Kingdom’s House of Commons holds more power, while the House of Lords reviews and revises legislation. While Canada and Australia have also found ways to balance power between their legislative bodies through parliamentary diplomacy and compromise to facilitate cooperation. Germany’s Bundestag holds more power, while the Bundesrat represents state interests. India’s Lok Sabha holds more power, with the Rajya Sabha representing state interests.

Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, 70% of citizens struggle to find their next meal, and the debate over scrapping one house to strengthen the other and reduce governance costs rages on. It’s ironic that lawmakers bemoan the deplorable state of road infrastructure yet quibble over superiority instead of addressing the country’s dwindling standards.

Nigeria’s bicameral legislature is designed to provide checks and balances, with the Senate’s 109 representing regional interests, while the 360-member House of Representatives represents the population directly. Each senator’s numerical strength is substantial, representing up to 10 local governments in some cases like Kano and Lagos.

The Senate’s exclusive authority to confirm presidential appointments gives it relatively more sway. Besides these, all other perks and privileges are similar. So, rather than bickering, it’s time for lawmakers to focus on substantive issues of the economy, public infrastructure, education, health and security, etc., not symbolic titles.

So, it is specious that there is a debate surrounding “equality” of chambers. Now that Tinubu has messaged their ego and concede GCON to him, the nation awaits how that will better its lot.

Proponents argue that it prevents legislative domination, ensuring no single chamber has absolute power, even when the duplication, wastefulness, red-tapism, ego-tropism, lethargy, ineffectiveness and incompetence are obvious. These criticisms are valid, considering the high costs associated with running a bicameral legislature.

The “first among equals” debate sparked by some representatives also highlights an inferiority complex. It’s essential to recognize that Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen are already “first among equals” within their respective chambers. The National Order of Precedence also places the Senate President before the Speaker, indicating a clear hierarchy. When the chambers hold joint sessions for budget presentation in the House of Representatives’ Green chamber in a matter of weeks, we’ll see who presides?

Rather than demanding equality where it already exists, our NASS members should focus on effective governance, prioritizing national interests and leveraging their unique strengths. It is only by embracing their distinct roles that lawmakers can earn the people’s confidence, enhance legislative effectiveness, and better serve Nigeria.

To resolve conflicts already spawned, there is a need for emotional intelligence to be taught our Reps.

There are also employ various strategies employed by other nations with bicameral legislature and joint platforms for cooperation and collaboration between chambers. Conference committees facilitate negotiation and compromise to resolve disputes. Bipartisan negotiations foster collaboration rather than competition. Parliamentary diplomacy encourages constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. Constitutional provisions establish clear guidelines for resolving disputes. Neutral third-party mediation offers impartial resolution mechanisms. Clear definitions of powers and responsibilities prevent conflicts through transparent roles and expectations.

I think the National Institutes of Legislative and Democracy Studies (NILDS), the intellectual arm of NASS, should play a crucial role in defining powers and responsibilities dynamics to prevent conflicts and promote effective governance. By adopting these strategies, Nigeria’s National Assembly can optimize its performance and better serve the nation.

The grand masquerade ball only underscores the absurdity that often pervades Nigeria’s legislative landscape. But amidst the chaos, there should be a wise sage to appear, bear a mirror that should reveals the true reflection of their endeavors – the faces of their constituents, forgotten in their pursuit of power and prestige. It also highlights the imperative for NILDS to interrogate legislative etiquette and temper self-serving tendencies.

True leadership transcends grand attire and titles. It should focus instead on genuine service and positively impact lives. Our leaders must shed the toga of Emilokanism and embrace their roles as public servants rather than being distracted by prestige and power struggles. Comparison, they say, is the thief of joy.

Somorin, former Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun teaches History and Philosophy of Science at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Abeokuta Study Centre.

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