OPINION|Yoal Manyang
The Unity State legislative assembly, an essential body in the governance structure, has tragically failed to perform its constitutional mandate by not holding regular legislative sessions, and in fact, has failed to carry out any of its core functions since its establishment.
This failure is not just a minor oversight—it is a serious dysfunction within the state’s political system, with wide-ranging implications for governance and the well-being of the state’s citizens.
A legislative assembly is tasked with fundamental duties, including the passage of laws, the approval of state budgets, the ratification of legal and policy documents, and the general oversight of the executive branch.
However, since its establishment, the Unity State legislative assembly has neither passed any laws, nor approved any legal documents or state policies. More concerning still, it has failed to approve any state budget, which is a critical function that enables the proper allocation of resources for government projects, public services, and social welfare programs. Without a budget in place, the state cannot function effectively, and basic services that the people rely on are left in jeopardy.
This profound lack of legislative activity demonstrates a deep failure to fulfill the constitutional duties entrusted to the assembly. A legislative body that does not meet regularly, does not pass laws, and does not engage in the critical tasks of approving budgets and policy frameworks is essentially non-functional, and this puts the entire state’s governance structure at risk.
The absence of a functioning legislative assembly hampers progress, stifles development, and leaves the executive branch without the vital checks and balances that a legislative body is meant to provide.
It is important to clarify that the failure of the Unity State legislative assembly cannot be attributed to the governor. While the governor is responsible for overseeing the executive branch, enforcing laws, and implementing policies, the governor does not have an oversight role over the legislature.
The separation of powers, as outlined in the constitution, ensures that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches remain independent from one another. Therefore, the governor does not have the authority to compel the assembly to meet or to force legislators to pass laws, approve budgets, or carry out their duties.
The governor’s responsibility is limited to executing and implementing the laws passed by the legislature, not to directing or overseeing the legislative process itself.
The true cause of this legislative dysfunction lies in the appointment and election of individuals who do not fully understand or are not willing to fulfill their roles as representatives of the people.
The members of the legislative assembly have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing their constituents, understanding their needs, and translating those needs into laws and policies that benefit the community.
However, the failure to pass any laws, approve policies, or even address the budget highlights that those chosen to serve in the assembly may not be adequately equipped for the task at hand.
This failure is not due to external pressures or limitations; rather, it is a consequence of appointing or electing individuals who either do not understand the scope of their duties, lack the necessary knowledge or commitment to their roles, or are simply uninterested in serving the public effectively.
When the people of Unity State elect or appoint representatives, they do so with the expectation that these individuals will act in their best interests, make decisions that improve their lives, and ensure that the state functions smoothly.
However, when representatives fail to pass essential laws or approve a state budget, it becomes clear that there is a disconnect between the elected officials and the needs of the people they serve.
The failure to perform these basic legislative functions is a sign of dysfunction within the assembly and demonstrates that those in power may not be adequately fulfilling the role for which they were elected or appointed.
The root cause of this failure lies in the legislative selection process. If individuals who are appointed or elected to serve in the legislative assembly lack a clear understanding of the constitutional responsibilities expected of them, or if they are not committed to working for the betterment of their constituents, it is inevitable that the assembly will struggle to perform its duties effectively.
The legislature is supposed to be a body that holds the government accountable, passes laws that benefit the public, allocates resources to critical sectors, and ensures the smooth operation of the state.
If those serving in the assembly do not fully comprehend these duties or are not willing to act in the best interests of the people, they will fail in their roles, as we have seen with the Unity State legislative assembly.
This failure highlights the need for serious reforms in the process of selecting legislative members. Future appointments or elections must ensure that only individuals with the necessary qualifications, understanding, and commitment to public service are chosen to serve in the assembly.
This means focusing on the qualities of leadership, competency, and dedication that are required to effectively perform the functions of a legislator. Those elected or appointed must possess a deep understanding of the laws they are expected to pass, the policies they are to implement, and the needs of the people they are meant to represent.
The people of Unity State deserve a legislative assembly that is proactive, responsive, and capable of performing its constitutional duties. The failure to pass laws, approve budgets, and ratify policy documents is not just a procedural issue; it is a failure to uphold the very principles of representative democracy.
Without a functioning legislative body, the state cannot move forward, and the people are left without proper governance. For the legislative assembly to regain its effectiveness, it is essential to focus on ensuring that the individuals who serve in these roles are properly equipped to carry out their responsibilities.
These individuals must be committed to public service, fully understand the scope of their duties, and be willing to engage in the hard work of legislation and governance.
In conclusion, the failure of the Unity State legislative assembly is a significant issue that cannot be ignored. It is not a result of external factors or the actions of the governor, but rather stems from the failure of those appointed or elected to fulfill their constitutional roles.
The absence of legislative action such as the failure to pass laws, approve the budget, or ratify policies undermines the entire governance structure and harms the people of Unity State.
To rectify this situation, a reform of the legislative selection process is necessary, ensuring that only competent, knowledgeable, and dedicated individuals are chosen to serve in these vital roles. Only then can the state’s legislative body function as it should, in service to the people and the Constitution.
The writer is a diplomat with a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies and a Master’s in Humanitarian and Conflict Studies and can be reached at yoal@live.com
