The legislative body that cannot say no is the ceremonial body — the Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that a legislative body that cannot say no to the executive branch is merely a ceremonial body, a situation that he said is detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

Saraki disclosed this while speaking at the June edition of The Platform held in Ikeja Lagos State.

According to him, legislative institutions in government remain the “load-bearing wall” of democracy, and added that weakening these institutions would threaten governance, development and institutional stability.

“A legislative body that cannot say no is not a legislative body at all,” he said, adding that routine approval of executive proposals without careful scrutiny would reduce the National Assembly to a mere ceremonial body.

Saraki said the framers of the Constitution deliberately separated powers to ensure accountability, and stressed that disputes between the executive, legislative and judicial branches were critical to the stability of democracy.

READ ALSO: Top stories from all Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday 13 June

He said the legislature provided a way to resolve national tensions, and described it as a “pressure valve” that allows grievances to be addressed through debate, not conflict or violence.

Saraki said that in governance, the National Assembly plays a central role in controlling public expenditure through the power of the purse, noting that no government expenditure is legitimate without legislative approval.

He rejected repeated claims of an increase in the budget, and said that the legislature has the constitutional authority to review executive proposals and ensure that national priorities and constituent needs are reflected in the budget.

Saraki also warned against violations of appropriation laws, and stressed that spending outside the approved budget would undermine due process and undermine democratic accountability.

He said the role of legislative approval also extends to borrowing, and warned that uncontrolled debt decisions would impose long-term burdens on future generations.

The former Senate President also defended the legislative body’s oversight and confirmation powers, describing them as important tools for ensuring accountability and checking executive authority.

He said legislative screening of nominees remains a constitutional responsibility, noting that such decisions are within the Senate’s discretion.

Saraki called for a stronger electoral process, increased legislative capacity and an end to the practice of vote buying, warning that weak institutions and poor electoral choices threaten the consolidation of democracy.

He said democracy in this country can only be maintained through a legislative institution that is independent, capable and effective and remains close to the people it represents.