Nigerian human rights activist and #BringBackOurGirls co-convener, Aisha Yesufu, has accused the National Assembly of neglecting its constitutional duties, describing the federal lawmakers as a “rubber-stamp assembly” in an open letter.
Yesufu criticized the lawmakers for failing to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and corruption. She asserted that every member of the National Assembly should “bow their heads in shame” for collectively failing the Nigerian people they represent.
“The legislative arm of government is the bedrock of democracy. It is usually what signifies that a democracy is entrenched in a country. The legislative arm makes laws, has oversight functions, confirms nominations, ratifies treaties, and most importantly, holds the executive accountable,” Yesufu wrote.
She urged the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the causes of insecurity and the inability of security agencies to protect citizens, emphasizing that lawmakers must hold the executive accountable for these failures.
“The legislative arm is supposed to be the activist in government, the voice for the voiceless. Every member of the National Assembly was voted in by the people to be a voice backed by constitutional authority,” she added.
Yesufu’s letter highlights growing public frustration with perceived legislative inaction and calls for renewed commitment to democratic oversight and accountability in Nigeria.
