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Power of the GavelPower of the Gavel
This Day
Monday Philips Ekpe
COLUMN
7 June 2007
Last Tuesday in Abuja, the nation made progress on the path of democracy. A new National Assembly (NASS) was inaugurated. While Senator David Mark assumed the leadership of the Senate, Honourable Patricia Olubunmi Ette made history by becoming the first female to lead the House of Representatives. Mark's election, too, is historic as he is the first retired soldier to occupy that exalted position.
It is easy to dismiss what took place that day as common or predictable. But that would be missing the point. The uniqueness of the choices made by majority of the federal legislators indicates a new beginning, especially if all those who truly believe in representative government would, at least, suspend their skepticism and lend a hand or voice.
Take the victory of Senator Mark. Long before election day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chose him as the party's candidate for legislature's topmost job. More than any other consideration, experience was in his favour, having won the senatorial seat for the third time. And also, having served creditably in key committees in his previous outings, he was thought to be in a better position to pilot the entire Senate. In addition to these factors, I believe that at least one other reason, which has not been mentioned officially, also holds. And that is his military background. Interestingly, those who have argued against Mark have done so principally because of his former profession.
While it is true that the military establishment is anthitetical to democratic practices, it is also true that nobody was born a soldier. Therefore, everyone has the capacity to adapt to different situations, imbibe new beliefs and tread a new road if he or she wishes. Besides, the political history of this country demands that retired soldiers should not be treated with disdain or suspicion in political matters. Yes, especially some of them who have held political posts might have contributed to the systemic rot that the country is battling with today. But it can't be all of them. The mere fact that the military has ruled Nigeria - post-independence - more than the political class simply means that it has a wealth of experience, contacts and knowledge of nationhood that must not be despised or ignored. Rather, it should be employed to enrich the current dispensation. Let me not go into the history of ex-soldiers who have contributed significantly to the political development of their countries.
Besides, if the club of retired military officers had the number one position in the nation's political hierarchy in the last administration but now occupies the third, that, to me, is proper transition. If you like, that is a proper "demilitarisation" of the political space. And come to think of it. Who says a former soldier, especially of the elite corps, cannot become a good politician? If the truth be told, the kind of formal education military officers receive at the post-secondary level places them in even better position to grasp the nuances of governance and patriotism more than what an average Nigerian politician parades as credentials. No doubt, the intervention of the military in the political process has caused the country some sorrows but analysing that fact with emotion, instead of engaging in realistic appraisal would cause more damage.
A combination of the ranking rule, the stand of PDP, the need for mature leadership, the conviction of 68 Senators and Mark's personal qualification has made the emergence of the former communications minister as the new Senate President possible. The stage is set for the upper chamber of the National Assembly to continue from where the former one stopped. As the nation's number one law maker, the success of the second arm of government will partly depend on Mark's actions, inactions and utterances henceforth. He's now a candle, lit and placed on top of the table.
I love quoting extensively the first set of words that are voiced either by a winner or a loser. It was an elated Mark who promised, after beating the former Governor of Benue State, Chief George Akume to clinch the Senate Presidency, not to disappoint. His words: "The Senate, and indeed the entire National Assembly, is a very strategic arm of government. It is our collective responsibility to protect the institution and make it the pride of all.
"It is also my vision that the Senate must collaborate with the other arms of government and other democratic institution so that jointly we can help to strengthen and deepen out present democratic experience for the good of our country and we can do this easily without compromising our legislative authority and independence."
And turning to his colleagues, he said, "If public confidence in the Senate must be sustained and strengthened, I call on all of us to rise to the challenges of our collective mandate and demonstrate honest and true leadership qualities and exemplary conducts at all times in the discharge of our duties. We are best suited to help sharpen the future destiny of this great country." Great speech, I must say. But Mark's own ticket to greatness in his present assignment is how well he is able to galvanish the Senate to fulfill those words.
A woman in the saddle of the nation's second legislative chamber? Yes! And there is no reason why she won't perform. It was in the same male-dominated polity that women excelled under the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. So, Hon. Ette has enough models. All she needs to do now is to come to terms with the historicity of the moment and of her position. She should realise early that she's not heading some feminist non-governmental organisation (NGO) but that she has been elected, unanimously for that matter, Speaker of the House of Representatives. If my memory is correct, this woman is the first in Nigeria to hold the highest political office at the federal level! She, therefore, has no option but make the most of it, not only for the sake of vindicating the women folk but making a mark where some others have exhibited mediocrity.
Hear her speak last Tuesday: [colro=brown]"As the first woman to occupy this seat, blemish or failure must not be mentioned in the same breath as the office I am assuming. I will not let Nigerian women down and those who have decided that Nigerian women have come of age."[/color]
Anyway, campaign ended long ago. Now, the two gavels at NASS, last held by Senator Ken Nnamani and Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, are now in the possession of Mark and Ette. What they do with them from now on will determine to a great extent whether Nigerians are happy with this multi-party democracy or become nostalgic about the military regimes that were not better, in any case, or simply descend into complete disillusionment. Instead of their colleagues envying or digging holes under them, they should team up with their leaders to uphold the integrity of the gavel. The reason is that democracy is as good as dead if the legislature becomes comatose. Only a vibrant, focused parliament can energise the wheels of democracy. It is true that the new legislators, like their predecessors, "invested" a lot in their quest for the seats. But that should not stop them from serving and projecting the interests of their people and that of the entire nation. The task before Mark and Ette is to ensure that the legislative torch remains up. And the challenge before the public is to rise above the prejudices against retired military officers and the womenfolk. Let's expect the best from the new leadership of the NASS. It is only when we support it that we can reap the fruit of the power of the gavel - a wooden, yet significant tool that symbolises the will and decision of the people.
Copyright © 2007 This Day
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