Lawmakers’ budget breakdown marks commencement of real democracy – NANS

The Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said that the open breakdown of the National Assembly’s budget signalled the commencement of real democracy in Nigeria.

The Senate President, Salam Oyejide, who said this in a press statement on Friday, described the breakdown as a step in the right direction.

He, however, charged the lawmakers not to relent in ensuring good governance in the country.

He explained that the step taken by members of the National Assembly would sustain democratic values and boost Nigerians confidence in government.

He said, “Though, this is a commendable step, there is still a lot to be done, as there is need for government to be more prominent in promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information. This obviously marks the commencement of real democracy in our country. We hope that our system will continue to grow along this line of openness and transparency.

“To comfortably say that we are practising real democracy, government must display a high level of openness and transparency, and protect the interest of the masses. Openness and transparency in decision making process will improve citizens’ trust in government’s action while otherwise will cause apathy and disloyalty to government.”

He commended the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for making such an open breakdown realisable in the Nigeria legislative system, urging States House of Assemblies to emulate such gesture.

While complaining that some items in the budget didn’t reflect the pains of the masses, he urged the lawmakers to ensure proper implementation of the budget.

“It is not enough to make an open breakdown of the National Assembly’s budget; Nigerians need to be convinced that it is not a political gimmick through adequate implementation. We hope that the budget will ensure that dividends of democracy gets to the masses and reflect our realities as a nation,” he added.