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The bias against the Legislature is the highest form of self-sabotage: My response to SERAP’s threatened court action – Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu
Of all three arms of government, the legislature does not necessarily fare well when it comes to approval ratings. This image problem is not peculiar to Nigeria. There are so few countries in the world where the legislature as an institution enjoys good popularity; including the United States of America which we often hail as the most ideal democracy. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
While it is understandable that the legislature, being the closest arm of government to the people has to bear the brunt of their frustrations at the executive arm of government, we must take care that our bias against the legislature does not become a grand act of self-sabotage.
The fulcrum of any democratic government is the legislature- the assembly of the elected representatives of the people. Its presence is the key identifier of a democracy. Such an institution where representatives from all parts of Nigeria sit on a daily basis to deliberate on the affairs of the nation and make laws for the benefit of the country should be cherished, preserved and accorded all tools necessary (including the benefit of doubt) to serve the nation.
A few days ago, news broke that SERAP was suing the House of Representatives for plans to spend N5.04bn on “exotic” cars. In view of the brouhaha on the purchase of official vehicles, I decided to give my two cents before the house is properly served closing any window to address a matter before the court;
- OFFICIAL VEHICLES ARE A LUXURY FOR LEGISLATORS (MISCONCEPTION)
I will try to avoid stressing the discriminatory nature of this misconception which deliberately overlooks the fact that all the honourable ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, assistant directors and management level staff of the 42 ministries and 400 parastatals of the executive arm, with its over 15,000 nationwide offices are routinely given official vehicles; not to mention the 180 judges and justices of the federal judiciary along with their senior level staff who are entitled to official vehicles including SUVs. But instead, I will focus on the fact that for legislators, these official vehicles are a matter of necessity.
We too easily lose sight of the importance and utilitarian value of the legislature whenever we relish that red-hot chilli stew of sweet outrage at government. The legislature carries out an important duty of oversight as mandated by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. This singular duty routinely exposes the corruption and inefficiencies of the executive often amounting to trillions of naira, the very inefficiencies which create the dissatisfaction of Nigerians with government.
A look in recent history shows how in 2013, National Assembly uncovered a theft of N195 billion pension funds by the Pension Reform Task Force (PRTF), as well as a N255million fraud by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA) and a N2 trillion fraud in the executive. In the current assembly, the House has investigated several instances of inefficiency and corruption, including extra budgetary spending by NDDC. For example, barely a week after its inauguration, the House had gone to work investigating the underuse of the Warri, Onne, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Onitsha seaport complexes as well as the loss of over N600bn monthly revenue from the Apapa Gridlock/Congestion.
The course of carrying out this good work frequently takes legislators on investigative trips around the country, often requiring them to access remote locations of Nigeria via bad roads. It would interest Nigerians to know that in several of the oversight investigations undertaken by this 9th Assembly, it was the vehicles of the very Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which were under investigation that picked the visiting legislators from the airport and commuted them to the various locations throughout their investigations. By this very reason, is not the report of that investigative committee already tainted in the eyes of any rational person? How is a legislator expected to ask the hard-hitting questions during an investigation when they are not sure of their ride back to the hotel, or even their accommodation and safety for the night? Did you know that in many cases, it is even the MDA under investigation who provides the security escort and accommodation for visiting legislators? I digress, but this is a point I shall revisit later.
Now, considering this from a purely utilitarian perspective, is it not wise to ensure that legislators have their own vehicular transportation, if only to preserve the integrity of the work they do for Nigerians? Moreover, considering the undesirable nature of the roads in most parts of Nigeria, is it not prudent to see that the official vehicles approved for these legislators are efficient enough to grant them unhindered ingress and egress to all locations in the country to enable them do their job without incurring the costs of maintenance due to frequent breakdown?
I posit that our outrage as Nigerians because legislators approved Toyota Camrys for themselves is misplaced and better directed at the over 400 parastatals of the executive. I would also go further as to say that considering the state of Nigerian roads (which the executive is responsible for fixing by the way) SUVs and not saloon cars or Camrys, should be approved for use by legislators in their official duties.
- A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OFFICIAL VEHICLE ENTITLEMENTS PER ARM OF GOVERNMENT Despite an earlier promise to avoid this subject, in the matter of government spending on official vehicles, it is only fair compare the entitlement of legislators with other public servants in the same service cadre.
Recall that in the order of protocol in the National Order of Precedence Act, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives rank quite higher than Ministers, Ambassadors, SAs to the president, the SGF, the CBN governor, the service chiefs, the IGP, Court of Appeal Justices, Federal High Court Judges, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Agencies etc. Yet, several of these persons have approved for them, up to 3 vehicles (including escort vehicles) to enable them conduct their official assignments. Where is the fairness or moral justification for us to complain when legislators get just one vehicle each?
If other arms of government routinely use SUVs as official vehicles, is it fair to reduce the entitlements of federal legislators who do more for the nation to less than what is obtainable at the same level of service cadre? How do we reconcile the fact that every year, legislators sit in Appropriation committees validating the purchase of SUVs for public servants who they oversight and yet cannot drive the same vehicles to visit them for investigations?
- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REJECTED A QUOTATION FROM NIGERIAN CAR MAKER
Following rumours swirling around the interwebs, a simple investigation into the validity of the allegations revealed that no quotation was offered to the House for consideration by any Nigerian car maker. However, if indeed there was, the public is invited to present proof of this in the interest of all Nigerians. - THE ALLOWANCES OF LEGISLATORS IS EXCESSIVE (MISCONCEPTION)
The argument that overseas, the legislative arm is less expensive is weak because a comparative analysis shows that except in a few isolated and extreme cases, the entitlement of legislators in Nigeria is at par or even less than those of their colleagues overseas.
For the sake of clarity, in standard parliamentary practice, legislators have two entitlements in terms of remuneration- their basic salary for personal use, and allowances for use in running their offices, research, stakeholder engagements, trainings, trips, constituency offices, constituency outreaches, security and others costs attendant to performing their law making, representative and oversight duties.
For example, in the United States, the current base salary for Senators and Representatives is $174,000 per year amounting to about N5.2m per month. Outside this, each legislator is allowed a Member’s Representational Allowance (MRA) of up to $1,268,520 (N456.6m) which is an allowance of about N38m per month. This is humongous compared the pittance salaries and allowances of Nigerian legislators; and is particularly discouraging to representatives who choose not to operate only in Abuja to the neglect of their constituents back home.
The legislature as an arm of government does enormous work. In addition to the demands of law making and effective representation, only 360 representatives are saddled with the responsibility of supervising and investigating the activities of all of 400 parastatals of government to uncover all manner of inefficiencies and fraudulent activities there. This entails the sacrifices of various committees who struggle to carry out this responsibility with limited funds.
CONCLUSION: FENNO’S PARADOX
One political phenomenon that strikes me is the Fenno’s Paradox- this is where we generally disapprove of the National Assembly as a whole, but support the senators and representatives from our own senatorial districts and constituencies. For instance, despite a 13% approval rating, 95% of incumbents in United States Congress were re-elected in 2014. In Nigeria, despite the National Assembly’s unpopularity, over 60% of incumbent legislators are re-elected every election.
If 60% of Nigerians are happy with their legislator but unhappy with the legislature, then there is a bias that begs consideration. What has caused this bias? Is it a result of deliberate misinformation by mischief makers or acute ignorance? If you wonder why Nigerians continually launch lopsided attacks on the only arm of government that directly represents their interest, the following excerpt from my address as the spokesperson of the House during the unveiling of the Green Chamber Magazine captures it very aptly;
“Several misconceptions about its [the legislature’s] operations, duties and achievements abound in the public domain propagated by mischief makers and fuelled by commercialized news reportage as well as acute ignorance of the workings of the legislature. The legislature is expected to exist in perpetual acrimony with the executive by the very same Nigerians who will be disadvantaged by such discordant governance. In addition, Nigerians have been conditioned to appraise the National Assembly with the same terms of reference as they would the Executive without regard to the distinctive nature of legislative duties under the 1999 Constitution, thereby engendering a deep-seated scepticism about the legislature’s commitment to national development.”
Of all public servants at the federal level, the legislator is the one closest to the grassroots and therefore it is understandable- logical even, to blame them for the failings of government. However, the question remains whether we are judging the National Assembly through a fair lens or allowing our appraisal to be biased by our frustrations.
Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Spokesperson House of Reps.
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Kogi Ministry Of Justice Partners NGO On Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization “Protect the Child Foundation” has launched a strategic partnership aimed at sustaining the fight against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
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This was the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on “Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the Ministry’s Directorate of Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the Foundation and with the support of the French Embassy.
Stakeholders at the event called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to ensure a sustained and coordinated response to gender-based violence across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kogi State, Muizudeen Yunusa Abdullahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Falilat Yusuf Musa (Esq.), emphasized that combating GBV is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment and action.
“The theme of today’s discourse
Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance: Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence is not just a slogan but a strategic blueprint for action,” Abdullahi said.
“These three pillars Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance form the tripod upon which a safe, equitable, and dignified society must stand.”
He highlighted key legal instruments supporting the fight against GBV, including Sections 33, 34, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Kogi State, 2022, and the Child’s Rights Law of Kogi State.
According to him, these laws collectively ensure that every citizen from infancy to adulthood—is shielded from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
Abdullahi commended Governor Usman Ododo for his administration’s unwavering commitment to curbing the menace of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, noting that the governor’s leadership has provided “decisive action and clear direction” in ensuring justice for survivors.
“Under his leadership, we have a clear mandate to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on perpetrators without fear or favour,” he said. “In Kogi State, there is zero tolerance for gender-based violence.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to handle GBV cases with urgency and sensitivity, urged civil society partners to continue advocacy and survivor support, and challenged communities to break the culture of silence and stigma.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of “Protect the Child Foundation”, Barr. Elizabeth Achimugu, attributed the persistence of gender-based violence largely to poverty and called for the empowerment of the girl child as a key strategy to address the problem.
She stressed the need for community engagement and public awareness, noting that exposing perpetrators and ending stigmatization are crucial to combating GBV.
“Sexual and gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of human rights and a public health crisis,” Achimugu said. “In Nigeria, despite the existence of relevant laws, enforcement remains weak, especially in rural communities where awareness is low.”
She cited alarming statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023, which reports that 31% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while 7% have experienced sexual violence, often linked to harmful cultural practices.
Achimugu called for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches involving health, education, justice, and community systems, as well as economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls to reduce vulnerability to abuse.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of the Gender-Based Violence Directorate, Juliana Jonathan-Omale, underscored the need for sustained action, describing the workshop theme as “both a declaration and a challenge.”
“We have moved from breaking the silence to building systems of response,” she said. “Now we must ensure this fight is not a fleeting campaign but a lasting commitment built on strategy, resilience, and collaboration.”
Participants at the workshop, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, agreed that sustained progress against gender-based violence demands coordinated action, legal enforcement, and community-driven change to build a safer and more inclusive society.
Ends
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Ajia Mourns General Abdullahi Adangba, Condoles Emir of Ilorin and Ilorin Emirate
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar of Fune Emirate, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed Adangba (rtd), former Chief of Staff to two Nigerian Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died on Tuesday in Abuja at the age of 86.
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Ajia, in a condolence message signed by his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Ajia described the late General Adangba as “a rare patriot, seasoned administrator, and a disciplined officer whose life symbolized loyalty, humility, and selfless service to the nation.”
Ajia extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, and the entire Ilorin Emirate over what he described as “a monumental loss to Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large.”
According to him, “The late General Adangba was not only a distinguished military officer and public servant but also a proud son of Ilorin whose contributions to national development and his community will never be forgotten. He served the country with uncommon dedication and left behind a legacy of integrity and honour.”
Ajia noted that the passing of General Adangba at this critical time has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, particularly among patriotic Nigerians who value truth, service, and national unity.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives the Emir of Ilorin, the bereaved family, and the people of Ilorin the strength to bear the great loss.
“On behalf of my family and associates, I join the good people of Ilorin Emirate and the entire nation in mourning a statesman who gave his all for the peace and progress of our dear country,” the statement concluded.
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Fair Hearing for Kanu: AVID expressed deep concern over judicial standards
Our Correspondent
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned what it described as a “continuing judicial travesty” in the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
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AVID, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 6, 2025 and signed by its President, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID expressed “grave concern and total condemnation” over what it called the erosion of constitutional and judicial standards in Kanu’s case.
The statement alleged that the trial lacked legal foundation and violated both domestic and international principles of fair hearing.
“Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear under Section 36(12) that no person shall be tried for any criminal offence unless that offence and its penalty are defined in a written law,” the group stated.
“This is a bond editable constitutional safeguard, a cornerstone of due process, and a measure of any civilized nation’s commitment to justice.”
According to AVID, the Nigerian government continues to prosecute Kanu under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which replaced it.
“Yet, before the world and under Justice Omotosho’s watch, the Nigerian state persists in trying Mazi Nnamdi Kanu under a dead law — the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 — which ceased to exist upon the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” AVID said.
“Justice Omotosho, contrary to the mandatory duty of judicial notice under Section 122(2)(a) of the Evidence Act, has refused to acknowledge this repeal. This is not a mere oversight; it is a judicial dereliction of constitutional duty.”
The group further faulted the judge’s alleged decision to defer ruling on issues of jurisdiction and double jeopardy until final judgment, insisting that such questions strike at the root of any criminal trial.
“Justice Omotosho’s posture of ‘wait till judgment’ on questions of jurisdiction, double jeopardy, and validity of charge is the opposite of established precedents of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the statement noted.
“Jurisdictional defects strike at the root of a case and must be determined forthwith, not deferred. No court, no matter how highly placed, can arrogate to itself jurisdiction it does not possess,” the statement emphasised.
AVID cited Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which, it said, requires that any alleged terrorism committed abroad must also constitute an offence in the jurisdiction where it occurred — in this case, Kenya, where Kanu was allegedly abducted.
“This double criminality requirement has not been met, yet the judge insists on proceeding, thus nullifying the moral and legal foundation of the entire trial,” the group argued.
The organization also accused Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions of silence in the face of what it termed “constitutional infidelity.”
“It is appalling that in the face of such manifest constitutional infidelity, Nigeria’s legal institutions — the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and so-called legal analysts — have chosen cowardly silence,” the group lamented.
“A nation whose lawyers fear to ask, ‘Under what law is this man being tried?’ has surrendered its conscience to tyranny,” the group added.
AVID also expressed concern over what it called “the destruction of every element of fair hearing” guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the Constitution.
“From the denial of access to lawyers and family in DSS custody to the judicial disregard of documentary evidence before the court, every element of fair hearing has been destroyed in Justice Omotosho’s court,” it said.
Citing an incident in open court, the veterans’ group claimed Kanu had asked for a brief recess in the judge’s chambers “to prevent the judiciary’s embarrassment” but was denied.
“When Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in court, asked for a five-minute recess in the judge’s chambers to prevent the judiciary’s embarrassment, he was rebuffed,” AVID said.
“When he raised the profound constitutional question — ‘Under what law am I being tried?’ — Justice Omotosho retorted, ‘Wait till judgment.’ That a sitting Federal High Court judge can preside over a criminal trial without identifying a subsisting law is the ultimate indictment of Nigeria’s judicial decay,” AVID stressed.
The group called on international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the U.S. Department of State, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to monitor and document what it described as “ongoing judicial abuses in Nigeria.”
“The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in its present form, is not just a constitutional aberration but an affront to international human rights standards on fair trial and rule of law,” the statement read.
AVID urged Nigeria to “choose between law and lawlessness,” saying the ongoing proceedings undermine the nation’s claim to democracy.
“Justice Omotosho’s courtroom has become a theatre of constitutional absurdity — a place where a man is asked to defend himself against a non-existent law, where judicial notice is optional, and where constitutional provisions are treated as irritants,” the group said.
“If Nigeria still claims to be a constitutional democracy, it must immediately halt this charade, restore the rule of law, and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.”
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