Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has warned that any legislature that lacks the courage to reject or amend executive proposals cannot be regarded as truly independent, insisting that robust oversight remains the backbone of democratic governance.
Saraki made the assertion on Friday during the June 12, 2026 edition of The Platform, where he joined other speakers to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the state of its institutions.
The former Kwara State governor said the strength of any democracy is largely determined by the ability of lawmakers to act independently of the executive arm of government, stressing that parliamentary approval must never become a formality.
“A legislature that cannot say ‘no’ is not a legislature at all,” Saraki declared, adding that lawmakers must be willing to interrogate, scrutinise and, where necessary, reject proposals from the executive.
He maintained that the essence of legislative work is not mere endorsement of government policies, but careful review to ensure accountability, efficiency and national interest.
Saraki further argued that the independence of the legislature is critical to the survival of democracy, noting that weakening parliamentary institutions ultimately concentrates power in the executive, to the detriment of good governance.
He called for continuous reforms that would strengthen oversight functions within the National Assembly, insisting that lawmakers must prioritise the interest of citizens above political or party loyalty.
The former Senate President’s remarks come amid renewed public debate on the balance of power between Nigeria’s executive and legislative arms of government, especially as the country marks Democracy Day and reflects on its democratic progress.
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