By Peter Okutu
ABAKALIKI—A senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Dennis Ude Ekumankama, has stressed the need for the National Assembly to work closely with the opinions of the people in formulating policies for the growth and development of the country.

Ekumankama, who  is seeking to represent Ebonyi South senatorial district in the 2011 general elections, also commended the National Assembly, NASS, for throwing away the controversial sections in the 2010 Electoral Act amendment.

The aspirant, also a member of the International Bar Association, IBA, regretted that members of the House of Representatives and Senate had to wait for the public outcry of the citizens before “doing what was very reasonable”.

He pointed out that the legislature could have easily gauged the pulse of Nigerians if they engaged in periodic faithful constituency consultations and town hall meetings.

Speaking to newsmen in Abakaliki, yesterday, Dr. Ekumankama disclosed that the eleventh hour deference to reason by the lawmakers was onlt an indication of “how far the representatives have gone away from the people they are meant to represent.”

He explained that legislators ought to have legislative assistants and researchers who ordinarily should assist them know the import and impact of any law on the citizens.

He said: “So, you find that most of the legislators do not know that it is on the fulcrum of legislation that the wheel of democracy revolves.”

“Every legislator is supposed to have carefully selected staff, including researchers and constituency officers, who at a snap of the finger should supply the constituents’ feeling on any issue. This would have saved the nation the unwarranted hiccups and tension.

“This development is a clear indication that Nigerians have become very concerned and involved in matters concerning governance. Such awareness gives hope that voters would elect credible people to man various positions of authority in 2011.”

He promised to make a difference when elected by the people of Ebonyi senatorial district, pointing out that the wide ranging experience he garnered from private legal practice and position of executive secretary to the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, would put him in good stead to contribute to the evolution of a people-sensitive senate.