Why N/Assembly’s image is worsening — REC nominee

Anominee for Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, yesterday said lack of transparency in the activities of the National Assembly is negatively affecting the image of the legislature.

Abdullahi, who stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC for screening, said some of the lawmakers were also far from their constituents, hence the image problem.

A member of the committee, Senator Malam Ali Wakili (APC, Bauchi), had asked the nominee to suggest ways to enhance the image of the National Assembly.

Responding, the nominee said: “Some National Assembly members are not really visiting their constituencies the way it should. The activities of the members should be more open,” he said. Irked by statement, Senator Abdullahi Gumel (APC, Jigawa), faulted the nominee who, until his retirement, the was the liaison officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Assembly.

Gumel said, “It’s wrong for you to say that; 80 to 85 per cent of the lawmakers go to their constituencies but unfortunately, the demands of people are too much because of absence of local government.

“The jobs of the local government have been taken over; sometimes they (lawmakers) have to shy away until they have alert for their pockets,” he said.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif (APC, Bauchi), urged the nominees to join hands with the Senate to strengthen the commission.

He said the Senate will do its best to ensure credible and fair elections in the country.

“Nigerians are anxious to have competent people to man INEC for the sustenance of the country’s democracy,” he said.

The screening of the 27 nominees submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari continues today.