Mr. Ebuka Onyekwelu a columnist, strategic governance exponent and a political consultant has scored the present house of assembly low in terms of bills, stating that not all members contribute to the quality of arguments and contributions.
Speaking to ANN in an exclusive interview, Onyekwelu stated that he expected better performance from the present legislators.
“The 7th Assembly has not been exceptional in terms of bills passed. So far, I don’t think the Assembly has passed up to four private member bill. One of the very outstanding is the Bill on youth empowerment sponsored by Hon. Nonso Okafor.
“On quality of contributions and arguments by members, I think they have also done well. Although, like in many legislature, not all members contribute to the Assembly’s quality of arguments and contributions. May be, as we progress, we then look at the other side of the 7th Anambra State Assembly.
“I think, generally, their performance is not bad. At least, the 7th Assembly is one of the most peaceful of all times. The leadership has been stable”.
Speaking on what the incoming 8th assembly should do differently, Onyekwelu said “The 8th Assembly, I believe, would make their contributions. They should, however, be mindful of the pitfalls of group politics. First, the House should seek to harmonize the interests of members. But beyond that, lawmakers must appreciate the fact that the legislature is an arm of the government and that they have the mandate of their people to speak for them.
“So, I expect the coming 8th Assembly to find little ways of solving our stubborn problems. Find ways to proffer lasting solutions to our regular challenges. For instance, how do we solve the scourge of bad roads? Erosion? Raging insecurity? Among others. We should be thinking about how to solve our pressing problems. That’s what I believe the incoming lawmakers should do.
“Once interests are harmonised, opposition does not exist in the legislature. So, the House has to be harmonised. This doesn’t mean that APGA will always have its way. Mind you, nearly half of the 7th Assembly members are of the opposition parties.
“The most critical thing is for the ultimate goal of the Assembly to be the well-being of citizens. There is no point fighting or creating confusion, so it looks like you are fighting APGA or ruling party. Every opposition lawmaker should ask himself the following question, “how do I get this or that need of my constituency to be addressed by the government?” So that they will maintain focus on why they are in the House of Assembly and engage in irrelevant power tussle.
“That said, politically speaking, the only time APGA’s majoritarian advantage in the House will be threatened, is if the party fails to produce a credible Speaker of the 8th Assembly, and leadership of the House. The advantage or disadvantage of APGA will be influenced by the leadership of the Assembly. Hence, for me, the 8th Assembly must do well to produce a credible and well rounded speaker.”
