The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has initiated legal proceedings against Nigerian senators, alleging poor performance and unconstitutional dual office holding.
ALDRAP contends that since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in May 2023, the Senate has fulfilled only 12% of its legislative duties. This claim is supported by data from the OrderPaper Parliamentary Monitoring Group, which indicates that out of 475 bills considered, a mere 19 were passed. Furthermore, critical sectors such as security and agriculture received minimal legislative attention, with only 5.4% and 7.3% of bills addressing these areas, respectively.
The legal action also highlights concerns over 40 senators allegedly holding concurrent positions in the ECOWAS and Pan-African Parliaments, a practice deemed unconstitutional under Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution. ALDRAP argues that this dual office holding compromises the senators’ primary legislative responsibilities and calls for the full refund of salaries and allowances received during this period.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, seeks to compel the senators to refund 78% of their salaries and allowances from May 2023 to May 2025. ALDRAP bases its claims on provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act, 2018, and the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the senators’ performance does not justify their remuneration.
This legal action underscores growing public dissatisfaction with legislative performance and fiscal accountability. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms and the need for reforms to ensure that elected officials fulfill their constitutional duties.
As the case progresses, it is poised to set a precedent for holding public officials accountable for their performance and adherence to constitutional mandates. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for legislative practices and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.