In Nigeria: Callers for part-time legislature are ignorant NASS functions, says senator

He said that as a growing economy, Nigeria should be allowed to run a full-time legislature to avail lawmakers the opportunity of contributing meaningfully to its development.

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Sen. Chukwuka Utazi on Thursday dismissed calls for part-time legislature in the country, saying that those making such calls were ignorant of the workings of the National Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the calls were made at the backdrop of huge remuneration being taken by the legislators ‘’without commensurate productivity’’.

Utazi, representing Enugu North Senatorial District told NAN in Abuja, that the clamour for part-time legislature to reduce salaries and allowances of lawmakers was uncalled for.

According to him, the legislature is one of the active arms of government and the lawmakers work all through their stay in the National Assembly, including holiday periods.

‘’Lawmakers engage in oversight of agencies and parastatals as well as committee meetings, even during recess,’’ he said.

He said that as a growing economy, Nigeria should be allowed to run a full-time legislature to avail lawmakers the opportunity of contributing meaningfully to its development.

"You cannot do this job on part-time; the people saying we should run on part-time are either ignorant or have a dislike for us."

"I am sure they have said that we fight and throw banters instead of carrying out our duties as lawmakers but that perception is wrong."

"In 1992, the same issue of part-time legislature was debated and I laughed. It is people who do not know our responsibilities as lawmakers that are saying this,’’ he stressed.

Utazi assured that the 8th National Assembly was poised to make a difference in legislative functions, adding that ``Nigerians should not be fast in saying ``we are not a serious group''.

He added that though most of the lawmakers were new to the National Assembly, they were well informed about the challenges facing the country.

He said that the legislators were ready to sponsor motions and Bills that would help in cleaning up the rot in the system and reposition the country.