At the NASS Open Week, former senator, Shehu Sani, charged lawmakers to deepen democracy, leave lasting legacy
Former senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has charged members of the House of Representatives to seize the opportunity of their tenure to make meaningful contributions that will strengthen democracy and leave a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerians.
Delivering a goodwill message during the 2025 National Assembly Open Week, Senator Sani, a former representative of Kaduna central senatorial district, described the event as an important innovation that has evolved into a key platform for fostering public engagement and transparency in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be invited here to speak at what has now become a brand in the Nigerian political discourse,” Senator Sani said. “This platform allows Nigerians to physically engage with their elected representatives and offers a real opportunity to deepen our democracy.”
Reflecting on the evolving nature of the legislature, the former lawmaker acknowledged the distinct challenges faced by each generation of lawmakers. Quoting revolutionary thinker, Frantz Fanon, Sani noted: “Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission. This House has consistently reflected the drama, the conflicts, and the ideals that shape our nation.”
While commending the energy and youthfulness of the current House, Sani emphasised that the true measure of a lawmaker’s legacy lies not in the number of bills passed but in their impact on the ordinary Nigerian.
He urged members to look beyond titles and tenure, and focus on the transformative value of their work.
“You may come in rich and leave poor. You may come in poor and leave poorer, It’s a fact of history. You need to go back and look back to those who were in this house 5, 10, and 15 years ago. Their condition is pitiable.
So, you have a duty or the opportunity provided by you, by history, to make a strong impact. It’s not the number of bills, not the number of assents of bills, but what impact has such bills made in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.” he said.
Sani also cautioned against the risks of either extreme in legislative-executive relations, describing a “combative legislature” as potentially destabilising and a “compliant legislature” as a breeding ground for tyranny. He praised the current assembly’s efforts to balance independence with responsibility.
“One unique thing about this house is the agility, the energy of its members, and the youthfulness of its members over the years. And you have been able to demonstrate that by the records and also by your stewardship.
This house, and the parliament as a whole, is not an extension of the executive. It’s not a unit of the executive. It is, by those who conceive the idea of democracy, established to perform its function, oversight, ensure accountability in the affairs of governance,” Sani said.
“The parliament has that responsibility and duty to stand for Nigerians, to speak for Nigerians, and to defend the interests of Nigerians.” Senator Sani further stated
Concluding his address, he underscored the significance of the open week initiative in demystifying the workings of the legislature. This open window he said gives Nigerians a chance to see beyond the myths to understand the duties, sacrifices, and spirit of service that define this chamber.
He encouraged lawmakers to hold fast to the legacy of integrity and patriotism passed down by their predecessors, reminding them that their actions today will form part of Nigeria’s history tomorrow.
“Whoever is a sitting legislator today will one day be an ex-legislator. You don’t know how long you’ll be here, but the question is: what impact will your presence leave behind?” he asked.
The National Assembly Open Week, organized by the House of Representatives, is a three-day event held from July 8 to 10, 2025.
The event drew the presence of notable dignitaries, including the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff to the President and immediate past Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Speakers Yakubu Dogara and Patricia Etteh, among others.
