Legislators undemocratic behaviour

Thoroughly ashamed of themselves and embarrassed by the TV pictures legislators took the quite extraordinary step of banning the Channels Television crew from further covering events in the House. This action not only negates the freedom of information mantra, but furthermore is an indication that our political leaders prefer to carry out nefarious activities away […]

Thoroughly ashamed of themselves and embarrassed by the TV pictures legislators took the quite extraordinary step of banning the Channels Television crew from further covering events in the House. This action not only negates the freedom of information mantra, but furthermore is an indication that our political leaders prefer to carry out nefarious activities away from the public glare. The state house of Assembly should immediately restore the Channels TV right to cover events in the house and tender an apology to them. They neither caused, nor participated in the fighting. Benue State is only the latest in a long list of State houses of Assembly where there has been a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably such behavior amongst legislators is becoming the rule rather than an exception. Quite disgracefully even female legislators have been involved in fighting. Legislators must realize that they are not expected to agree all the time. They are paid to resolve issues through enlightened debate and superior argument. Exchanging blows is certainly does not constitute a democratic decision making process. Although members’ actions on the floor of the House are covered by parliamentary privilege, it remains to be seen whether such privilege will be invoked if a legislators causes the death of another a member in the course of an assault. Prevention is better than cure. There can be no justification for this uncivilized behavior. Paradoxically our legislators have never been known to exchange blows in order to protect the interest of Nigerians. They have never been known to fight over differences of opinion on a piece of legislation and the sad truth is that they only ever become rowdy and uncontrollable in matters concerning their personal interests. In the House of Representatives it appears as if fighting must break out during the tenure of every leadership. Last week unfortunately not for the first time, School children on excursion to the National assembly witnessed “Honorable Members’” in free for all fighting. The 8th National Assembly was inaugurated to supposedly commence legislative duties none of which they have so far performed, yet this is the second time they are on recess. Quite ridiculously they are entitled to “recess allowance” which means that they benefit financially even when the house is not sitting. At a time when the general public is questioning the vast amounts of public funds spent on legislators for negligible returns, the sort of behavior is last thing that is needed. It is becoming evident that the leadership of our Houses of Assembly at both the State and National level is driving the nation into a state of anarchy. Legislators must be warned to control their abusive language and emotions, stop playing to the gallery and imbibe the habit of conceding to superior argument and reaching consensus through democratic processes.