HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS, SENATORS & L.G. CHAIRMEN MUST WAKE UP NOW TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES By Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi, Ph.D

Introducing the Issue

The growing trend of elected leaders in Nigeria feeling above the citizens who elected them is alarming.

It is unacceptable that they don’t are no longer answerable to the people they represent. They sit in Abuja only to feed large and cater for the few boyz/Party members ONLY. This is a clear indication of a broader issue – a lack of accountability and transparency in governance.

Addressing the Issue:

A Senator represents the entire Senatorial District. A member of House of Representatives (MHR) represents at least two Local Governments Area. Elected Representatives and Senators MUST be answerable to those they represent because they are, in essence, public servants. They are elected to represent the interests of their constituents, not to serve their own interests. When they fail to respond to the needs and concerns of their constituents, they betray the trust placed in them. Assuming as a Senator or MHR, you do not have your residence within the district and Constituency you represent, then, you are not fit for the position. If only it is Abuja or National Assembly you are seen, then you don’t understand that your role is in dual capacity

In a democratic system, accountability is crucial. Elected leaders must be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This can be achieved through various means, including dedicated phone numbers for response, regular town hall meetings, and transparent communication channels.

Imagine the fact that a member of the House of Representatives and their aide refused to reply or respond to agitation and concerns of their Constituents for months. It is unacceptable. They must understand their phones does not belong to them. We bought it for you to use for use through the humongous salary paid from the allocation. Honourable Members and Senators, those allowances in your salary are paid to you on our behalf because we voted you to represent us. They are indirectly ours and if you do not utilize the position you occupy for the people, we will soon demand you come back home and allow another person represent us.

Some may forget that by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, an individual (Citizen and Voter) can write to demand for how a public fund is spent by a public officer and such person fail to provide information, he can sued to Court and compelled to do that. (We are coming to that level of enlightening members/citizens/voters to take action as responsible citizens under the law) against indolent and non-responsive elected leaders.

This is a clear indication of the lack of accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s governance system.

To address this issue, there must be a paradigm shift in the way elected leaders engage with their constituents. The elected leaders must be made to understand that they are accountable to the people they represent. The Citizens too my hold their leaders responsible. AND they possess the power to RECALL any elected Representative who thinks he has no compelling reason to SERVE the people. “Recalling Ailing/Errering Elected Representatives/Senator under the Constitution” will be my Next Article.

But in the meanwhile, I won’t address an issue without proffering solutions. This can be achieved through:

Constitutional reforms: Strengthening the constitution to ensure that elected leaders are held accountable for their actions and decisions.

Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing dedicated phone numbers, email addresses, and other communication channels for constituents to reach their elected leaders.

Regular Town Hall Meetings: Organizing regular town hall meetings where elected leaders can engage with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and provide feedback.

Civic Education: Educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, including their right to hold elected leaders accountable, right to recall them, right to write to demand for financial Breakdown of funds utilized for public purposes.

Set Up Zonal Functional Constituency Offices with Responsive Personnel NOT Touts/Political Boyz
I advise each MHR & Senator to set up Zonal & Functional Constituency Offices with Responsive Personnel NOT Touts/Political Boyz. Each of the Zonal Offices should have a feedback mechanism and must entertain reasonable requests from citizens that the elected representative can utilize to assist his or her Constituents no matter how little.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, elected leaders must understand that they are servants of the people, not Masters. They must be made to account for their actions and decisions, and they must be responsive to the needs and concerns of their Constituents.

IT IS TIME TO ‘K’OWE’ SOKE!
TIME TO WRITE UP.

Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi is a Senior Lecturer & Ag. HoD, Jurisprudence and International Law, AAUA & Visiting Academic ELIZADE University, Ilara mokin, Ondo State & Fellow, CCLA, University of Cape Town, South, South Africa.