YIAGA: Shutting down n’assembly undermined FG’s response to COVID-19

The Yiaga Africa Centre for Legislative Engagement says shutting down the national assembly over the scare of COVID-19 undermined the federal government’s response to the disease.

Both chambers of the national assembly suspended sitting in March following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

The federal lawmakers had earlier adjourned for two weeks but were unable to resume as scheduled.

The senate and house of representatives finally convened on Tuesday to handle some legislative business.

In an evaluation entitled “Assessing Legislative Response to COVID-19 in Nigeria”, the centre said although the federal lawmakers took some actions, it was not enough to complement the efforts of the executive arm of government.

The centre cited an instance in which the house of representatives passed the “Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill” but the senate failed to concur.

“However, this suspension of parliamentary sittings and activities rather than strengthen the government’s capacity to respond undermines the nation’s response to the pandemic,” it said.

“Other legislative actions required for cushioning the economic impact, were also suspended alongside the legislative. The decision to shut down the legislature for over a month undermines checks and balances and weakens the oversight required in the fight against the pandemic.

“Legislators across the globe, and indeed, countries worst hit than Nigeria, have continued with the regular legislative business, albeit, with precautionary measures and practices in compliance with WHO protocols.”

It said the national assembly is yet to address the legal uncertainties trailing the quarantine act.

“Furthermore, the reported cases of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses by security agencies require legislative action. Civil society should be commended for its continuous oversight and demand for accountability in the absence of legislative oversight,” the centre said.

The organisation said it is imperative for the federal lawmakers “to integrate e-parliament into legislative action fully.”

“Yiaga Africa calls on the NASS to amend its rules to incorporate videoconferencing and teleconferencing to facilitate remote legislative work like committee meetings, public hearings, public petitions, etc,” it added.