Former Senator Shehu Sani has reignited the debate on cost of governance in Nigeria, calling for the scrapping of the bicameral legislature and the introduction of part-time legislative sessions.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on TVC News’ talk show “Fireworks,” Sani argued that the current legislative structure is unsustainable.
“We must cut costs and ensure efficiency. What the Senate does, the House of Representatives also does,” he said.
Sani emphasised that both chambers duplicate efforts by introducing similar motions, bills, and oversight functions, thereby wasting public resources.
He also recommended shifting from full-time to part-time legislature, stating that lawmakers should only convene when necessary for legislative business.
“With part-time legislature, lawmakers would attend sessions only when there are critical bills or motions. This will reduce unnecessary spending,” he said.
Sani further urged Nigerians to advocate for systemic reforms that promote transparency and accountability.
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He recalled his controversial disclosure of lawmakers’ earnings during his tenure in the Senate, which nearly earned him a suspension.
“I made the revelation not out of mischief but in the spirit of accountability. Why should public servants’ earnings be treated as secrets?” Sani asked.
He maintained that Nigeria cannot be reformed without confronting entrenched interests that thrive on secrecy and waste.
“If you propose reforms that strip privileges from political elites, they will resist it,” he warned.
Sani also called for term limits for lawmakers, arguing that career legislators have turned the National Assembly into a “private club.”
“We need reforms that include term limits to prevent the same clique from occupying the assembly indefinitely,” he concluded.
