On June 16, 2024, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, conveyed in an interview with THE SUN that the responsibility for the system's failures lies with the individuals operating it.
He criticized long-serving legislators in the Senate and the House of Representatives who, after 16 years, have never passed a bill, suggesting they do not understand their legislative duties. Sanusi highlighted that many enter the House of Representatives for personal gain, such as cars, allowances, and contracts, rather than to fulfill their roles as lawmakers. He also pointed out the flawed appropriation process where the National Assembly prioritizes personal benefits over national interests when approving budgets.
Sanusi expressed concern about legislators engaging in constituency projects, such as building hospitals and schools, which he believes should be the responsibility of governors and ministers. He argued that legislators should focus on lawmaking for societal benefit, adhering to their constitutional roles, rather than seeking funds for infrastructure projects. According to Sanusi, unless there is a clear understanding and adherence to these roles within a democracy, the system will not function effectively.
In his words: “Legislators are doing constituency projects. Why should a legislator be building hospitals, schools with money from the government? If you do it personally, that’s fine. But under our constitution, where do legislators have this role of being entitled to being given budgets to come and build schools and hospitals as supposed to be done by governors and ministers? Where?.
“So, we have not operated the constitution that we have properly. We don’t understand our roles. If you want to build schools and contracts, go and contest for governor or contest for chairman of local government. If you go to the assembly, you are there to pass a law for the good of society. So, whether it’s parliamentary or presidential, at the end of the day, I think, if we don’t understand what our role is, you know, in a democracy, it’s never going to work.”