Political economist, Ayodele Peters, has blamed members of the Nigerian Senate for what he described as the country’s worsening political and economic conditions, arguing that personal interests and the pursuit of power have weakened the effectiveness of the legislature.
Peters made the remarks during a public affairs programme while assessing the state of the nation, expressing concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship, inflation, unemployment and declining public trust in government institutions.
According to him, the National Assembly, particularly the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has failed to provide the level of oversight and legislative direction required to tackle the numerous challenges confronting Nigerians.
He said the current economic realities demand a strong and independent legislature capable of holding the executive accountable and ensuring that government policies translate into meaningful benefits for citizens.
“The incompetence of the current Senate leadership is glaring for all Nigerians to see. At a time when citizens are battling unprecedented hardship, insecurity and economic uncertainty, the Senate has not demonstrated the courage and independence expected of a democratic institution,” Peters said.
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The political economist further alleged that the emergence of the current Senate leadership was influenced by financial inducements, a development he believes has contributed to weak leadership within the upper legislative chamber.
Recalling the contest for the Senate Presidency between Akpabio and former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, Peters claimed that allegations of vote-buying among senators dominated discussions surrounding the election.
“For the first time, Nigerians openly heard allegations of heavy bribery in the election of the President of the Senate. You will recall how Akpabio and Yari fiercely contested the position. A lot of money was allegedly spent to influence senators, and eventually Akpabio emerged victorious,” he said.
According to Peters, leaders who emerge through such processes are often more concerned with political survival and recovering investments than addressing the needs of the people.
“What do you expect Akpabio to do? If someone spends heavily to secure a position, the tendency is to seek ways of recovering those resources. That is why critical projects meant for the people are not adequately funded. Public resources are diverted to political interests while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer,” he alleged.
He also criticised what he described as the Senate’s inability to effectively scrutinise government actions despite worsening security challenges across the country.
“Every day, Nigerians wake up to reports of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks. Yet the National Assembly appears disconnected from the realities confronting the people. The oversight responsibility of the legislature is not being felt by citizens,” he stated.
Peters maintained that the country’s economic difficulties require urgent legislative intervention, particularly in areas affecting food prices, employment and the declining purchasing power of citizens.
“Nigerians are facing rising food prices, weakening purchasing power and growing unemployment. These are issues that require serious legislative intervention. Unfortunately, what we are seeing is a Senate that appears more interested in political survival than national development,” he said.
He further lamented what he described as the declining quality of legislative leadership in the country, insisting that the Senate has not effectively discharged its constitutional responsibilities.
Peters urged Nigerians to demand greater transparency, accountability and integrity in the process of selecting leaders within democratic institutions.
“Our democracy can only thrive when competence, character and capacity become the basis for leadership selection. Until then, the country will continue to struggle with weak institutions and poor governance outcomes,” he added.
