A political leader from Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, stated that achieving true legislative autonomy would remain a mirage if the ‘rubber-stamp syndrome’ persists and experienced individuals are excluded from the legislative process.
He made this statement over the weekend during the review of his book titled “Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: Matters Arising”, held at the Uyo Book Club.
Represented by his brother, Victor Bob (Esq), Senator Bob emphasized that the independence of the legislature would remain incomplete without financial autonomy.
According to him, financial autonomy would enable the legislature to function independently, rather than serving as a mere appendage of the Executive arm.
He noted that the purpose of the book is to promote good governance, emphasizing that while the Executive has a role to play, the legislature must consistently engage with the public, as such engagement is fundamental to the principles of democracy.
He stated that if the House of Assembly — and the legislature as a whole — attains financial independence, it will be better positioned to assert its authority. On the issue of the rubber-stamp syndrome, he noted that a perfect legislature is impossible without eliminating the practice, stressing that without laws, society would descend into chaos.
He emphasized the need for seasoned and respectable individuals to serve in both the National and State Houses of Assembly—people who value themselves and their future.
“It’s unfortunate that since the passing of Gani Fawehinmi, we no longer have true activists in Nigeria,” he remarked. “There are checks and balances on both the executive and the legislature. The laws exist; what is lacking is obedience,” he added.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Anthony Gregory, noted that the author had proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution aimed at ensuring proper separation of powers and achieving true legislative autonomy. He emphasized that the benefits of legislative independence extend beyond the lawmakers themselves, adding that its value to the general public is immeasurable.
He pointed out that the book identified key obstacles to legislative independence, including inadequate funding, nepotism, and lack of political will. He further called for a transparent and credible selection process for both legislators and members of the executive through free and fair elections.
“There is no way Nigeria’s democratic institutions can truly develop without legislative independence. We’ve witnessed too many ‘rubber-stamp’ legislatures in the country,” he said. “I must agree with the author — it’s been a bumpy ride. He proposed key amendments to the 1999 Constitution to ensure proper separation of powers and achieve true legislative autonomy. The book thoroughly outlines the essentials of an independent legislature and the numerous benefits it would bring to all 36 states of the Federation, and to Nigeria as a whole.”
“The book is an eye-opening masterpiece and a valuable resource for academic scholarship and the advancement of democratic ideals, particularly within the legislative arm of government,” Gregory said. “However, I had hoped the author would also examine the selection process of both legislators and executives through elections. This would have further strengthened the arguments presented, because institutions are run by people — and if the process that brings them into office is flawed, then meaningful change in our democracy will remain elusive.”
In his remarks, the Founder of Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nana, stated that the club’s focus for 2025 is to celebrate indigenous authors and spotlight their works.
He said, “We must honour and celebrate our own and showcase their contributions to the world. Senator Effiong Bob is one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians, having served as a councillor, a member of the State House of Assembly, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and as a senator.”
“A book on this subject, authored by such a highly experienced individual, is a valuable treasure. It comes highly recommended for the political class, students of government and politics, as well as the general public,” he added.
