Why Nigerian Lawmakers Must Uphold The Dignity Of Democracy, by Isaac Asabor

In every democratic system, the legislative arm holds a unique and foundational role. As the representative body of the people, it is designed to embody the principles, values, and goals of a democratic society. The lawmakers within these chambers, whether as representatives in the House, senators, or members of state houses of assembly, are entrusted with the weighty responsibility of not only making laws but also acting as symbols of democracy, accountability, and public service. Their conduct, in both private and public spheres, must reflect this responsibility.

Recently, however, the actions of some Nigerian lawmakers have brought this role into question. Among the most striking was Alex Ikwechegh’s public outburst, a display that seemed to undermine the respect and decorum expected of a representative of the people. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of Nigerian lawmakers to act as ambassadors for their chambers and why this duty matters so profoundly for the health and legitimacy of Nigerian democracy.

Democracy thrives on the separation of powers, and the legislative branch holds a distinctive position among these powers. Legislators are responsible for the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws that shape every aspect of society. Their roles encompass scrutinizing policies, representing the interests of the public, and acting as checks on the executive branch’s authority. The ability of legislators to serve as independent yet collaborative agents of the people is at the very heart of the democratic process.

Nigeria’s constitution places the legislative arm at the forefront of governance by endowing it with the power to represent all Nigerians across various regions, interests, and demographics. Unlike any other arm, the legislature is designed to be the voice of the people. This is why every action taken by a lawmaker, whether in a legislative session or a public setting, inevitably affects public perception, trust, and the overall health of the democratic system.

Public behavior may be seen as secondary to legislative duties, but the two are deeply interconnected. Lawmakers, as public figures, are always “on duty.” Their actions in public reflect not just on themselves but on the entire institution they represent. When a lawmaker acts inappropriately or displays a lack of decorum, as Alex Ikwechegh did, it is not just their personal reputation at stake; it is the reputation of the entire legislative branch.

Respect, integrity, and humility are virtues that should characterize every public servant, but especially legislators, given their roles as the voice of the people. When legislators are dismissive, aggressive, or engage in actions that can be perceived as embarrassing or demeaning, it tarnishes the image of the house. This may foster public disillusionment, weakening the respect and trust that the people have in their representatives.

Nigeria is a country with deep-seated political challenges, and trust in public institutions is fragile. Each lawmaker must view themselves as an ambassador of their respective house. Ambassadorship, in this context, requires a steadfast commitment to displaying conduct that not only respects the individual but also honors the office and the institution.

When lawmakers act with integrity and show a commitment to public service, they help build trust. Nigeria has seen numerous instances of political corruption, abuse of power, and ineffective governance that have understandably led to a general skepticism towards political figures. To counter this trend, legislators must become models of exemplary conduct.

The recent incident involving Alex Ikwechegh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of restraint, respect, and a calm demeanor. While it is natural for lawmakers, like any other citizens, to have disagreements or to face pressures, it is essential to handle these situations with composure. Public disagreements, outbursts, or any form of unbecoming behavior only exacerbate the existing divide between the government and the people.

The concept of a lawmaker as an ambassador extends beyond merely being a representative of their constituency. It involves embodying the values, principles, and expectations of the democratic institution they serve. This means that lawmakers should not only legislate with transparency and integrity but should also maintain this standard outside the legislative chambers.

When lawmakers engage in public displays that could be construed as shameful, it sends a dangerous message. It suggests to the public that decorum and respect for office are expendable and that those at the helm of power are disconnected from the values they are meant to uphold. In a democratic society, such messages chip away at the very foundation of governance.

A failure to maintain a dignified public image among legislators can have ripple effects. Citizens may lose faith in the government’s ability to enact meaningful policies or to prioritize the interests of the public over individual or party interests. Moreover, younger generations may grow up associating legislative work with power plays and public controversies rather than service, justice, and fairness. This erosion of respect and trust can lead to apathy and disengagement, hindering democratic participation.

Nigeria’s legislature includes a mix of veteran politicians and new, often younger, lawmakers. The actions of veteran politicians can set a powerful example for these newer members. By upholding a standard of respectful, accountable, and dignified behavior, experienced lawmakers can mentor and guide younger representatives on what it truly means to serve the public.

In contrast, poor conduct by seasoned legislators can send a message to new members that public decorum is irrelevant or, worse, that disrespectful conduct is an acceptable or even valuable part of political life. If democracy is to thrive, Nigeria’s legislators must view themselves as custodians of the nation’s future as much as its present. This means not just leading by example within legislative chambers but exemplifying integrity in every public setting.

Therefore, it is germane to opine that addressing these issues is essential for the future of Nigeria’s legislative institutions. Therefore, some few actionable steps that could help lawmakers maintain the dignity and respect associated with their offices cut across establishing a code of conduct, promoting accountability, leadership by example, civic engagement and public relations training and celebrating positive behavior.

Against the forgoing backdrop, it suffices to say that the legislative arm can benefit from a reinforced code of conduct. Such a code would outline expectations for public behavior and reinforce the need for decorum in both professional and personal interactions.

In a similar vein, lawmakers should be held accountable by their colleagues and their constituencies for their public actions. Transparency around disciplinary actions taken for inappropriate conduct would also help foster public trust.

Still in a similar vein, senior lawmakers, as role models, should prioritize leading by example. They should use their experience to instill values of respect and humility in new and younger representatives.

Also, regular training sessions could be organized to help lawmakers refine their public speaking skills and learn how to interact with the media and the public in ways that reinforce the values of democracy.

Again, recognizing and celebrating lawmakers who demonstrate exemplary behavior can help create a culture of respect and honor within the legislative community.

In Nigeria, where democracy is a relatively a young system and still faces many challenges, the conduct of lawmakers can have a profound impact on the trust and engagement of the populace. Lawmakers, as representatives and custodians of Nigeria’s democratic ideals, have a duty to act in ways that inspire trust and pride among citizens. They should always view themselves as ambassadors for their legislative bodies and, by extension, for the democratic institution as a whole.

Alex Ikwechegh’s public incident serves as a lesson to all Nigerian lawmakers on the importance of maintaining dignity in public life. By prioritizing respectful, honorable, and disciplined conduct, Nigerian lawmakers can strengthen the foundation of democracy, build trust with their constituents, and inspire the next generation of public servants. In doing so, they would not only be honoring the legislative houses they serve but also preserving the sanctity of democracy itself.