Why Nigerian legislature is most misunderstood arm of govt – NILDS boss

The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Suleiman Abubakar, has described the Nigerian legislature, especially the National Assembly, as the most misunderstood arm of government. He said this yesterday in a remark at the opening of a 2-day capacity building workshop for members and staff of the House of […]

The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Suleiman Abubakar, has described the Nigerian legislature, especially the National Assembly, as the most misunderstood arm of government.

He said this yesterday in a remark at the opening of a 2-day capacity building workshop for members and staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs. 

The NILDS DG said a study undertaken by the institute in 2015/2016 on public perception and expectations of the 9th Assembly showed that the legislature is the most misunderstood arm of government.

He said some of the reasons for the misunderstanding include poor understanding of the role of the legislature within a democratic context; improbable campaign promises, loss of confidence in politicians and the political system; poor or non-existent communication strategy by the legislature and rising cases of poverty and unemployment that make constituents depend on legislators to meet their personal and social needs.