By Adadareporters
Former Senate President David Mark says the 2023 general elections are the most controversial since the beginning of the 4th Republic in 1999.
Mark spoke at the 10th National Assembly during a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, at the weekend. Mark said although the problems were primarily not the creation of the legislators, but Nigerians elected them to proffer solutions.
Our correspondent reports that Mark held sway as president of the Senate from 2007-2011 to 2011-2015. He spoke on the theme “improving legislative effectiveness in a multi-party legislature through committees & caucuses”.
According to him, the interest showed by the youths was a direct disapproval and dissatisfaction with the old brigade, adding that Nigerians expect the 10th Assembly to legislate to ensure a better or less controversial elections in future.
He also called on the 10th National Assembly to prioritise its legislative agenda to address national malaise to forestall controversial or inconclusive elections in the future.
Mark identified some of the problems facing the nation to include deteriorating economic situation, high crime rate, unemployment, farmers/herders’ clashes, banditry, terrorism, food shortage, insufficient and decaying infrastructure, out-of-school children and poor health facilities.
He urged principal officers of the National Assembly to be innovative, think and act outside the box, stating that ‘it cannot be business as usual’.
According to him, “You must therefore design a legislative agenda that can provide a legal and regulatory framework that will support government initiatives and policies. The agenda must show in clear and concrete terms how to address the issues facing nation.
“It must respond to critical national issues like growing the economy, job creation, tackling insecurity, anti-corruption and show synergy between the legislative agenda and the executive programmes .
“You must honestly debate government policies to ascertain the merits and demerits without party sentiments. Standing committees must be properly equipped in their composition to vigorously oversight ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“By fostering inclusivity, encouraging dialogues and providing platforms for diverse voices to be heard, you can strengthen legislative effectiveness and ensure that the laws and policies you make truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens for the good of all.”
