The Unity State legislative assembly, an essential and foundational component of the state’s governance system, has tragically failed to meet its constitutional responsibilities. Since its establishment, this legislative body has not convened for regular sessions, nor has it fulfilled any of its core duties. Such a failure is not merely an oversight; it represents a profound dysfunction that undermines the state’s political framework, with significant implications for governance and the welfare of the citizens. Legislative assemblies are entrusted with vital functions, such as lawmaking, approving state budgets, ratifying legal and policy documents, and overseeing the executive branch. However, the Unity State legislative assembly has failed to carry out these fundamental tasks. Most alarmingly, it has not approved a state budget, an essential function for resource allocation to government projects, public services, and social welfare programs. Without a budget in place, the state cannot function properly, and basic services upon which the people depend are left in jeopardy.
This lack of activity within the legislative assembly exposes a profound failure in governance. A legislative body that does not convene regularly, pass laws, approve budgets, or engage in policy frameworks is effectively non-functional. This dysfunction places the state’s entire governance structure at risk. At the core of this problem lies a leadership crisis. The inability of the legislative assembly to act on crucial matters demonstrates not just a procedural failure but a complete breakdown of leadership and accountability in Unity State. The absence of a functional legislative body hinders the state’s progress, stifles development, and weakens the system of checks and balances that the legislature is supposed to provide to the executive branch.
It is critical to clarify that the dysfunction of the Unity State legislative assembly cannot be blamed on the state governor. While the governor holds responsibility for overseeing the executive branch, enforcing laws, and implementing policies, the governor has no authority over the legislative branch. The principle of separation of powers, enshrined in the Constitution, guarantees that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches remain independent from one another. Therefore, the governor does not have the power to compel the legislative assembly to convene or to push legislators into passing laws, approving budgets, or fulfilling their constitutional duties. The governor’s role is limited to enforcing the laws passed by the legislature, not directing or managing the legislative process itself.
The root cause of this legislative dysfunction lies not in external factors but in the way, legislators are appointed and elected. The members of the legislative assembly are tasked with representing the people, understanding their needs, and translating those needs into effective laws and policies. However, the failure to pass any laws, approve policies, or even address the budget indicates a failure on the part of those entrusted with these roles. It is not due to external pressures or circumstances but because the individuals who have been appointed or elected to serve may lack the necessary understanding, knowledge, or commitment to fulfill their duties. In some cases, they may simply be uninterested in serving the public effectively.
When citizens elect or appoint representatives to the legislative assembly, they do so with the expectation that those individuals will serve the public interest, make decisions that improve the lives of citizens, and ensure the smooth functioning of the state. When these representatives fail to pass essential laws or approve the state budget, it becomes clear that there is a disconnect between the elected officials and the people they are supposed to represent. This failure to perform basic legislative functions highlights not just an individual failure but a systemic problem within the assembly. It is a symptom of a deeper dysfunction in the way the legislative body operates.
The cause of this dysfunction can be traced back to the legislative selection process. If those appointed or elected to serve in the legislative assembly do not have a clear understanding of their constitutional responsibilities, or if they are not fully committed to the service of their constituents, the legislative body will inevitably struggle to function. The legislature’s primary role is to hold the government accountable, pass laws that benefit the public, allocate resources to essential sectors, and ensure the effective functioning of the state. If the individuals serving in the assembly do not understand the scope of these responsibilities, or if they lack the motivation to act in the public’s best interests, they will fail to meet the expectations of the people. The Unity State legislative assembly has become a prime example of how the failure to appoint or elect competent, knowledgeable, and committed individuals to these roles can severely hinder governance.
This failure highlights the urgent need for reforms in the selection process for legislative members. The election or appointment of legislative representatives must be based on a clear evaluation of their leadership abilities, understanding of governance, and commitment to public service. These qualities are critical to ensuring that those chosen to serve in the legislative assembly can fulfill their roles effectively. Those appointed or elected must possess a deep knowledge of the laws they are tasked with passing, the policies they must implement, and the needs of the people they represent. Only then can the legislature perform its essential functions and work in the best interests of the state and its citizens.
The people of Unity State deserve a legislative assembly that is proactive, responsive, and capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties. The failure of the assembly to pass laws, approve budgets, and ratify policy documents is not merely a procedural issue—it is a fundamental failure of representative democracy. When the legislative branch fails to carry out these vital functions, it undermines the very principles of governance and leaves the state in a state of dysfunction. A non-functional legislature prevents the state from moving forward and deprives citizens of proper governance. To restore the functionality of the Unity State legislative assembly, it is imperative to focus on ensuring that individuals in these roles are fully equipped to carry out their responsibilities. These individuals must be committed to public service, possess a deep understanding of their duties, and be willing to engage in the hard work of governance.
In conclusion, the failure of the Unity State legislative assembly is a critical issue that cannot be ignored. It is not the result of external factors or the actions of the governor but stems from a failure on the part of those elected or appointed to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. The absence of legislative action—such as the failure to pass laws, approve a budget, or ratify policies—undermines the state’s entire governance structure and harms the people of Unity State. To address this issue, a reform of the legislative selection process is necessary to ensure that only competent, knowledgeable, and dedicated individuals are chosen to serve in these vital roles. Only then can the Unity State legislative assembly function as intended, serving the people and upholding the principles of the constitution.
The writer is a diplomat with a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies and a Master’s in Humanitarian and Conflict Studies. He can be reached via yoal@live.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the author’s responsibility, not Radio Tamazuj’s.