Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has issued a stark warning that the 10th National Assembly is gradually becoming "a shadow of what parliament should be" due to faulty leadership and interference from other arms of government.

Speaking during Nigeria's 26 years of unbroken democracy celebration at the National Assembly on June 12, Saraki expressed concern over the legislature's diminishing effectiveness.

"Let me now say that except we are here to lie to ourselves, we must acknowledge the fact that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be," Saraki stated. "Today, we seem to be drifting backwards."

Executive and Judiciary Interference

The former Senate President did not place blame solely on the legislature, pointing out that "the executive and judiciary have consistently played key roles in undermining and weakening the National Assembly."

Saraki urged leaders across all branches of government to work collaboratively toward strengthening the National Assembly as an institution. He emphasized that the legislature was established to provide oversight of the executive branch.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain cautioned that weakening the legislature could have serious consequences for Nigeria's democracy: "If the National Assembly is made helpless and hopeless to the extent that the people cannot find succour there, then they will be left with no option but to run to the streets. And this is dangerous for our democracy."

Rubber Stamp Allegations

Saraki's comments come amid widespread criticism that the 10th National Assembly has become a rubber stamp for the executive branch, failing to provide adequate checks and balances.

In response to such allegations, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has defended the legislature, stating that the National Assembly enjoys a cordial relationship with the executive and will only rubber stamp initiatives that serve the interests of Nigerians.

Saraki's warning highlights growing concerns about the independence and effectiveness of Nigeria's legislative branch at a critical time for the nation's democratic institutions.

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