Ministerial Screening: It Is Abnormal For Senate & Presidency To Have A Cordial Relationship" Dahiru

GLatestAugust 8, 2023

1 minute read

Amidst the ongoing uproar surrounding the screening of ministerial nominees presented to the 10th National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, Dr. Majeed Dahiru, has stressed that the current harmonious relationship between the Senate and the Executive is an anomaly that should not occur in the first place.

In an interview on Africa Independent Television’s ‘Kaakaki’ program on Tuesday, August 8, Dahiru, also a columnist for The Premium Times, argued that ideally, the Legislature should maintain its independence from the Executive, even in matters involving the screening of ministerial nominees proposed by the President. Dahiru lamented that the President’s influence seems to heavily affect the present group of lawmakers in the National Assembly’s Red and Green Chambers.

He stated, “To regain respect, the Parliament must uphold honor and distinction in its actions. Unfortunately, that’s not the case currently. The Executive has extended its influence to the National Assembly, leading to a notably friendly rapport between them. This isn’t in line with the presidential system of government. Repeatedly, I’ve emphasized that fostering a harmonious relationship between the Parliament and the Executive is irregular. Such rapport should not exist, as their role is to mutually check and balance each other’s activities.”