Ex-governors use Senate as retirement, protection from probe: Ex-lawmaker

Many former governors entering the Nigerian Senate treat the legislative body as a retirement haven and a shield against anti-corruption investigations, according to a former senator. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, claimed that these ex-governors frequently fail to adapt to the demands of legislative work, ultimately shortchanging their constituents.

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Are you going to vote in Kwara Central to tell us about our choice? The capacity, capabilities and skill required for legislative work are different for an executive position.

Oloriegbe, who represented Kwara Central in the Ninth National Assembly, shared his views in a WhatsApp group discussion. He argued that the capabilities and skills needed for executive positions are distinct from those required for legislative roles. Unlike executive appointments, legislative duties cannot be delegated. Lawmakers must personally engage in plenary sessions, committee meetings, debates, and build relationships to secure benefits for their districts.

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One of such is that you cannot delegate legislative duties; you must attend plenary and committee meetings personally.

"You must speak and speak loudly because it is a debating house. You must network because it is a house of equals and a house where you need others to get things done," Oloriegbe stated. He also stressed the importance of lawmakers being accessible to their constituents, responding to their needs and requests.

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You must speak and speak loudly because it is a debating house. You must network because it is a house of equals and a house where you need others to get things done.

Drawing on his own Senate experience, Oloriegbe observed that many former governors perform poorly because the legislative system does not align with their previous executive powers. "Most of them use the position as a retirement place and a place to protect themselves from anti-corruption agencies. Unfortunately, it is their constituencies that bear the consequences," he said. He cited his experience as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health in the Ninth Assembly.

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From my experience in the Senate, most governors perform poorly because the legislative systems do not fit what they are used to.