…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, representing Kano Central, has urged President Bola Tinubu to decrease the number of federal lawmakers in Nigeria.
He expressed concerns over the creation of numerous parastatals and agencies by the federal government, arguing that it was costing the country a significant amount of money.
In an interview with Channels Television Politics Today, Senator Shekarau suggested that reducing the number of legislators would alleviate the financial burden.
Too Many Lawmakers, High Costs:
Senator Shekarau voiced his opinion that having two chambers with a large number of lawmakers was unnecessary and costly.
He acknowledged the importance of democracy in involving as many people as possible but argued that the current setup, with nearly 500 legislators nationwide, was excessive.
He specifically mentioned the National Assembly, comprising 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members, as contributing to the financial strain.
Impact on Oversight Assignments:
The former Kano State governor emphasized that reducing the number of parastatals and agencies would also impact the quantity of oversight assignments, thereby lessening the burden at the central level.
He suggested that downsizing the legislative arm could be considered if there were fewer responsibilities at the center, questioning the necessity of a large number of people for oversight tasks.
Support for Devolution of Powers:
Senator Shekarau expressed his support for the devolution of powers, proposing that the federal government reduce its costs by transferring responsibilities to the states and local governments
He believed that decentralizing power would help alleviate the financial strain on the central government while promoting greater efficiency and effectiveness in governance.
Conclusion:
Senator Ibrahim Shekarau’s call for a reduction in the number of federal lawmakers highlights concerns about the financial implications of maintaining a large legislative body.
He emphasized the need to evaluate the current system and explore options for downsizing in order to cut costs.
Additionally, he advocated for the devolution of powers to states and local governments as a means to streamline governance and alleviate the burden on the central government.
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