In recent times, there have being a lot of arguments and emotions especially on the social media on who becomes the Next President of Nigeria.
While observing these arguments, I wonder if Nigerians especially we from Kogi State understand our constitution. It seems to me that we are very much ready to repeat the mistakes of the past which have brought so much frustration in and out of government.
As enshrined in our constitution, the executive only implements laws made by the legislature, formulates policies and execute projects as appropriated or rather approved by the legislature.
The legislature is the first and most distinctive arm of government in a democracy. The political and social development of any democratic country is determined by the quality of its legislative arm of government. Our constitution empowers the legislature with three basic primary responsibilities which are; to make laws, to oversight the executive arm of government and most importantly to appropriate funds for development. These three responsibilities are critical to the political and economic development of Nigeria as a democratic country.
Democratically speaking, whosoever represents you in the national and state houses of assembly is more important than who becomes your president and governor. Many people argue and fight over Presidents and Governors they may never have the opportunity to see or influence directly but your representatives at the national and state houses of assembly can see and influence the president and governor respectively. The quality and capacity of your representative in the national and state houses of assembly guarantees your level of development.
Nigerians and indeed Kogites should concentrate their attention and burn their energy on those that would represent them in this very important arm of government called the legislature; ensuring that only those with quality, capacity, of sound mind, with proven positive records and impeccable character represents them in the national and state houses of assembly come 2019 general elections.
– Sani Idakwo Philips
Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) hoping to represent Dekina / Bassa Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives.
