First and foremost,I will like Crave for our indulgence to the fact that I will try to use lay man language as possible. Will run away from quoting laws as possible. Two key point shall be explain form our topic before addressing the real topic of the day. The two are Legislator annd Democracy. Who do we refer to as a Legislator?
A legislator is a person who writes and passes laws,especially someone who is a member of a legislature. Legislators are usually politicians. And are often elected by the people of the local or state as the case may be. Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. Government is based on the consent of the governed so in a democratic setting the people are sovereign. They are the highest form of political authority. A legislator belongs to legislative branch of government and it works in conjunction with the executive and judicial branches. Its main responsibility is the creation of law. The legislature is an highly misunderstood institution in our country today. Crisis of expectations is the root of the confusion. Most often people confuse the roles of the executives with that of the legislature. Most Nigerian don't know they are different. And may I start it here that its also pathetic that many of the legislators don't even know their responsibilities in this side of the world we find ourselves. To an average Nigerian,they expect legislator to provide Roads,School,Bridges,Markets,Hospitals,Electricity etc in their communities. Even when this is not part of their functions. Legislator only appropriate money for the executives to provide these infrastructures. After all said then here comes the question what are roles of a legislator. Like I said in the earlier post. The main function of a legislator is to create law. It as been established that a legislator don't just emerged. A legislator is a representative. So a legislator proposes and creates law in respect to the interest of his people. Aside from creating law a legislator also perform these functions
INVESTIGATIVE ROLES: The legislature in a democratic has a sole constitutional power to conduct investigation into any agency or government with a view to exposing corruption and correcting any relapses in the conduct of public policies
This power is enjoined under section 88 of the constitution as amended
PUBLIC PETITION: The national assembly through its committees on public petition as the constitutional mandate to receive and enquire into public petitions and complaints brought to its attention. The essence of enquiring into public petitions or complaints is to address or redress any grievances or wrong done to any person(s),group(s) or community(s) within or outside Nigeria
POWER OF APPROPRIATION: Much of the influence which the legislature enjoys in the polity is derived essentially from its power of appropriation Under the law the national assembly is saddled with the power of appropriation. No money shall be withdrawn from the consolidated revenue fund or public fund of the federation without the authorization of the national assembly
HOLDING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE: The legislature through its oversight functions hold the ministries,department and agencies accountable to the public. They make sure that the allocation given to each segment are effectively and that people of the public gets value for their money
POWER OF CONFIRMATION: The legislature also as sole power under constitution to screen and confirm nominees for appointment into the Executive council of the federation and other federal executives bodies
CONFLICT MEDIATION AND RESOLUTION: The legislature as responsibility under the law to mediate into conflict and see to its resolution. Before it lingers so much E.g ASSUU and Federal Government, Fuel Subsidy issue, Etc
PROTECTING PEOPLE'S INTEREST:Like I said initially,since Legislator representing people in their local area then the interest of their people becomes their interest. Effective Legislator connect people to their government by giving them a place where their needs can be properly articulated. As the representative of the people their role and responsibility is to make sure they protect and defend the interest and right of their constituents. Also they should ensure their constituents get their own share of dividends of democracy and also assist in getting job placement. If they don't nobody will do it for them
Finally I want to say that the strength of any legislator is influence and without it He or She can not do anything
Final word from me: Elected representatives st the local,state and national levels should listen to the people and respond to their needs and suggestions. Thanks very much for Your time.
God bless you all
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