Nigerian lawmakers, both at the state and federal levels, seem to have lost focus. Instead of concentrating on the critical issues affecting the country, they are entangled in leadership tussles, personal battles, and scandals that distract from their legislative duties. From the ongoing power struggle in the Lagos State House of Assembly to the sexual harassment allegations rocking the Senate, the very people elected to make laws and shape policies are now at the center of controversies that do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Lagos State House of Assembly, which should be setting an example of stability, is instead embroiled in a power struggle that has all but paralyzed its activities. In January, 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing Obasa with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda. That should have settled matters, but instead, it only fueled further chaos. Obasa refused to accept his removal, and by February 17, the crisis had escalated to the point where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex to prevent a plenary session. The lawmakers, however, forced their way inside, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely after passing a vote of confidence in Meranda.
The situation has since taken an even more dramatic turn. Three Assembly staff members are facing trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff. Obasa, rejecting his removal as unconstitutional, stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security on February 27, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office. Meanwhile, the Acting Clerk, Babatunde Ottun, has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely, citing safety concerns. This decision, while understandable given the tensions, underscores just how much the crisis has derailed legislative activities. Lawmakers are elected to pass laws, debate policies, and represent their constituents, yet here they are, consumed by their selfish interests while governance grinds to a halt.
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At the federal level, the Senate is facing a different but equally troubling distraction. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate advances towards her and that her refusal has led to political victimization. The accusation has generated heated debate, with some dismissing it as a political attack while others demand a full investigation. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for an impartial probe, while Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, has threatened legal action against Akpoti-Uduaghan for making the claims public. Whether the allegations are true or not, they have overshadowed legislative business. Instead of focusing on policies to address insecurity, unemployment, or economic challenges, the Senate is caught in a scandal that is fast becoming a national spectacle.
This pattern of distractions is not new. Nigeria has a long history of lawmakers who seem more invested in power struggles and personal drama than in legislative duties. From past budget-padding scandals to lawmakers engaging in physical brawls on the Assembly floor, the trend is worrisome. It raises a fundamental question: do Nigerian legislators truly understand the gravity of their responsibilities?
When lawmakers spend more time fighting among themselves than working for the people, governance suffers. The Lagos Assembly crisis means that key legislative activities are stalled, affecting governance in the state. At the federal level, the Senate should be debating policies that impact millions of Nigerians, yet its leadership is busy defending itself against allegations rather than leading with integrity and focus.
If the Nigerian legislature is to regain public trust, there needs to be a serious shift in priorities. Lawmakers must remember that their primary duty is to serve the people, not to advance personal interests or engage in power struggles. There should be stronger internal mechanisms for resolving disputes without disrupting legislative activities. Allegations of misconduct should be investigated thoroughly and transparently, ensuring that accountability is upheld while also preventing baseless accusations from becoming political weapons.
More importantly, lawmakers must reconnect with the people they were elected to represent. If they spent as much time engaging with constituents as they do defending themselves in court or fighting for leadership positions, perhaps governance would improve. The legislative arm should be a pillar of democracy, not a stage for endless distractions. Nigerians deserve better, and it is time for lawmakers—both at the state and federal levels—to prove they are up to the task.
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