Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged political parties to reconsider decisions denying experienced lawmakers tickets to return to the National Assembly, warning that the practice could weaken legislative institutions and undermine democratic governance.
Akpabio said legislative experience, competence and contributions to national development should be considered when parties select candidates for subsequent elections, arguing that the loss of experienced lawmakers deprives the legislature of valuable institutional knowledge.
He spoke on Thursday while acknowledging the contributions of Professor Francis Faduyile, a former president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), whom he said had considerable experience and expertise to contribute to the Senate.
‘It is not good for a senator to serve in the Senate for only one year and then leave. Political parties must take a closer look at their decisions, particularly when dealing with serious-minded individuals who can make meaningful contributions to legislation and national development,’ Akpabio said.
He added, ‘Denying such individuals tickets deprives the legislature of their experience.’
The Senate President warned against treating the National Assembly as a platform for political patronage, insisting that legislative positions should be occupied by people capable of contributing to lawmaking and national development.
‘The Senate is not a place for sharing political largesse,’ he declared.
https://businessday.ng/news/article/akpabio-warns-parties-against-denying-experienced-lawmakers-return-tickets/