Politics

Orji Kalu Advocates for Part-Time Legislature in Nigeria

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 21st, 2024.

Orji Kalu Advocates for Part-Time Legislature in Nigeria

Senator Orji Kalu

Orji Kalu, the Senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has endorsed the idea of a part-time legislature at both federal and state levels. In a recent interview shared on his verified Facebook page, Kalu emphasized that such a change could reduce governance costs and enhance public trust in the government.

As a former Governor of Abia State, Kalu also advocated for a constitutional amendment to facilitate this shift. He proposed that lawmakers could meet for three months to amend the constitution and then convene four times a year, with additional sessions called only for emergencies. This approach, he argued, would be more efficient than the current full-time legislative schedule.

Kalu extended his proposal to all legislative bodies in Nigeria, suggesting that both the Senate and House of Representatives, along with the 36 state Houses of Assembly, adopt a part-time schedule. He also highlighted regional government as a potential solution for reducing governance costs amidst the country’s economic challenges.

“If we transition to a regional government, ministers and legislators will remain, but we need to find ways to cut costs,” Kalu stated. He encouraged the President and National Assembly to enact laws supporting these changes, believing it would benefit the system and the nation as a whole.

As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, Kalu addressed misconceptions about senators’ compensation, asserting that Nigerian senators are not overpaid. He urged for a swift constitutional amendment to implement part-time legislatures across the country, suggesting that such a move would restore trust and provide relief to

Nigerians.