According to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, no nation can succeed in a democratic system with a weak parliament.
He asserts that establishing checks and balances is not the same as opposing the government.
According to Naija News, Saraki stated in an interview with Vanguard that Nigeria might have another June 12 incident if the nation does not establish robust institutions.
He clarified that people’s desire to have their opinions heard through voting was the reason behind the demonstrations and demands that followed Nigeria’s presidential election on June 12.
The former Kwara State governor went on to say that Nigeria must establish robust institutions that would outlive powerful leaders and men.
The former Senate President emphasized that a strong legislative fosters transparency, which is a cornerstone of a robust and improved democracy, to support his claim that powerful legislatures are not the state’s enemies.
“To fellow public servants, let us retire the lie that strong legislatures and strong nations are enemies of the state,” he said.
“They are identical. No nation in history has ever been free, affluent, and stable on the foundation of a feeble parliament. Not one. Give me one. There isn’t one.
The legislative branch of government distinguishes democratic rule from military dictatorship. We are free citizens in a democratic republic today because a generation before us determined that voting was the only way to express one’s opinions.
They lacked robust institutions. However, they objected. They made a demand. Do we believe that June 12 might be repeated? Unfortunately, it could recur as long as our institutions remain weak.
It is our responsibility as a new generation to make sure that institutions are resilient enough to outlive powerful persons. by demanding that the legislature be connected to the people, competent, transparent, and independent. A single election or office does not constitute democracy. Taking care of it and making sure it survives are daily tasks.
Transparency is encouraged by a robust legislation. Public trust is sparked by transparency. Democratic legitimacy is strengthened by public trust. Stability also results from democratic legitimacy. That is how we will have a stronger and better democracy, ladies and gentlemen.
Nigeria recognizes June 12 as Democracy Day, a national public holiday commemorating the nation’s return to civilian governance. It honors Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the putative winner of the historic, annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election that was widely regarded as the most free and fair in the country’s history.
