By Omeiza Ajayi

The All Progressives Congress, APC Committee on True Federalism has said it recommended a retention of the bi-cameral legislature in spite of arguments against its attendant costs, because it is the only system that ensures political stability in the country.

It however recommended a downward review of the running costs.

APC

The Gov. Nasir el-Rufai committee in its report  said unlike the unicameral legislature, “a bicameral system at the national level ensures a balance between population (House of Representatives) and equality of states (Senate) thus resolving to a large extent concerns about marginalization or lack of representation by minorities”.

The committee noted that it is impossible to quantify in monetary terms the benefit of such political balancing in a multi-ethnic society as Nigeria. “Therefore, the committee recommends that it is inauspicious and politically unwise to tamper with the existing arrangement at the expense of the political stability which the existing system ensures with a measure of success”.

The clamour for part-time legislature, the committee said its proponents do not take into account the enormity of the work or responsibilities that the constitution requires of the legislature. “For instance, many take the view that lawmakers need to spend more time on their legislative functions including oversight responsibilities which still fall short of expectations.

“Part time legislators will spend even less time on legislative business and the performance of oversight responsibilities will virtually cease as part time legislators are likely to be busy outside their legislative hours pursuing their private interests”.

While the committee also recommended the need to grant Lagos a special status to help it provide adequate infrastructure and security, while the Mayoral system should be entrenched for the Federal Capital Territory FCT.