Finally, bills that actually matter

BY OGUNGBILE EMMANUEL OLUDOTUN

For years, I have watched bills sponsored by members of the Nigerian house of representatives and their “senior counterparts” in the senate with little or no excitement. More often than not, they seem disconnected from the everyday struggles of Nigerians, either too political, redundant, or outrightly self-serving. But this time, something different has happened, and I like it.

The recent 39 constitutional amendment bills of the house of representatives have completely impressed me. This is exactly the kind of legislative action I’ve always hoped for, bills that address real-life Nigerian problems with practical, solution-driven reforms. If passed, these amendments could fundamentally reshape governance, elections, security, and the judiciary in ways that matter to the average Nigerian.

Perhaps, all 39 bills might cover critical aspects of governance, but some stand out as absolute game-changers for me and I spot them in green.

First, it is the state and local government police reform. For decades, the debate over state police has dragged on, with concerns about the risks of political abuse clashing against the urgent need for decentralized security. Now, the House has taken an interesting step in sponsoring a bill that establishes both state and local government police forces. If this passes, it could radically improve grassroots security, reduce the burden on the overstretched Nigeria Police Force, and make law enforcement more community-focused. That’s the upside. The downside? We all know that giving state governors control over police forces could turn into a disaster. But for now, let’s acknowledge that this bill is at least a move in the right direction.

Another impressive bill proposes making the court of appeal the final appellate court for governorship, national assembly, and state house of assembly election petitions. This means the supreme court would no longer be burdened with endless election cases, freeing it to focus on high-priority national and constitutional matters. We’ve all seen how long it takes for election disputes to be resolved in Nigeria. The endless legal battles that stretch into governance periods only create instability. This bill could cut down unnecessary delays and ensure a more effective judiciary.

Also as we know Nigeria’s electoral process has long been plagued by inefficiencies, delays, and outright manipulation. Some of the proposed electoral reforms could finally change that. One major bill mandates that general elections for the president, governors, national assembly, state houses of assembly, and local government councils be conducted on the same day. This could streamline the process, reduce costs, and prevent the staggered election system that often leads to voter fatigue and undue political influence.

Another crucial bill seeks to amend Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution to require lawmakers to officially resign from their political parties before defecting. We all know how party defections have turned Nigeria’s political space into a circus. Lawmakers hop from one party to another, often without consequences, making a joke of the democratic system. If this bill passes, it will introduce much-needed discipline into party politics.

Furthermore, one of the most practical amendments seeks to ensure that all election appeals are determined before elected officials are sworn into office. This is a game-changer. No more leaders taking office with pending legal battles that could overturn their victories months later, causing unnecessary disruptions. If this had been the law before, Nigeria would have been spared the post-election chaos we’ve seen over the years.

Fixing local government elections? For too long, local government elections in Nigeria have been a joke. State governors control the state electoral commissions, ensuring that their party always wins—often with laughable results like “99% voter support.” The house has introduced a bill that transfers the power to conduct local government elections from state electoral commissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This could finally allow for more credible elections at the grassroots level, breaking the cycle of state government manipulation. A related bill proposes creating a National Local Government Electoral Commission, an independent body that would oversee elections for local government chairpersons and councillors nationwide, including in the Federal Capital Territory.

If passed, this could mark the beginning of real grassroots democracy in Nigeria. Imagine a local government election where opposition parties actually stand a chance, something we haven’t seen in a long time.

Interestingly, one of the most daring bills in this package seeks to strip vice-presidents, governors, and their deputies of their immunity from prosecution while in office. Currently, Section 308 of the Constitution protects these officeholders from criminal and civil prosecution, allowing many of them to govern recklessly without consequences. While the president would retain a form of limited immunity, this bill targets corruption and abuse of power at the state level.

We all know that some of the most brazen acts of corruption happen at the state level, where governors act like emperors. If this amendment succeeds, sitting Vice presidents and governors could be held accountable while in office, a potential game-changer in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

Special seats for marginalised groups? Another bill proposes special seats for physically challenged persons at the federal, state, and local government levels. Additionally, six special seats have been proposed in the house of representatives for special interest groups. On one hand, this could be a good move towards ensuring representation for marginalised Nigerians who are often ignored in governance. On the other hand, if not properly defined, “special interest groups” could become a loophole for political manipulation. This is one amendment that requires careful scrutiny.

Finally, For the first time in a long time, I can say I’m genuinely impressed by the House of Representatives. These amendments represent some of the most practical and progressive legislative efforts Nigeria has seen in recent years. They address real issues, security, elections, judicial efficiency, governance, and representation.

But the big question remains: Will they pass? We all know how the Nigerian political class works. Many of these bills will face strong opposition from vested interests, governors who don’t want to lose control over state police and local government elections, lawmakers who enjoy defecting at will, and politicians who fear being held accountable while in office.

If these bills make it through the entire legislative process and get presidential assent, they could set Nigeria on the path to genuine political and administrative reform. If they don’t, then this will just be another promising moment killed by those who benefit from the status quo.

Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun can be contacted via [email protected]