By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
In a scathing statement released on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) described the current Abia State House of Assembly as “docile, ineffective, and a mere appendix of the executive.” The civil society organization accused the legislature of failing in its constitutional duties of oversight, accountability, and representation.
Legislature “Reduced to Rubber Stamp”
FENRAD expressed alarm over what it termed the Assembly’s “rubber-stamp behavior,” especially its failure to probe the alleged ₦54 billion expenditure on public schools in the state. The group noted that despite submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking transparency on the fund, there was no meaningful legislative follow-up. Instead, lawmakers allegedly turned a blind eye, which FENRAD says reinforces “public perceptions of collusion or gross negligence.”
The organization argued that the Assembly’s silence on major issues, including environmental degradation and poor infrastructure, highlights its unwillingness to challenge the executive or defend citizens’ interests.
“Why Seek Re-Election?”
FENRAD also criticized lawmakers who, when confronted with poor performance, blame the Assembly’s internal system. The group asked, “If the legislature has truly been reduced to such irrelevance, why do these same lawmakers seek re-election in 2027?” It emphasized that public office is not a reward for loyalty to political godfathers but a sacred trust to serve the people.
Call to Action for 2027
Ahead of the 2027 elections, FENRAD urged Abia residents to reject any lawmaker who has failed to speak up, perform, or hold the executive accountable. It also called on political parties to prioritize capacity, integrity, and accountability when nominating candidates, warning that recycling underperforming legislators would only deepen stagnation in the state’s democracy.
The group concluded that democracy thrives only when all arms of government—especially the legislature—are independent, responsive, and accountable.
“The current performance of the Abia State House of Assembly falls far below acceptable standards. It is time for a reset,”
FENRAD stated.
Newspot Nigeria reports that FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, environmental justice, and civic engagement across Nigeria.
FULL STATEMENT BELOW
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 9 2025
FENRAD SLAMS ABIA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AS INEFFECTIVE, AN APPENDIX OF THE EXECUTIVE — URGES VOTERS TO REJECT NON-PERFORMING LAWMAKERS IN 2027
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) expresses deep concern over the alarming level of docility and ineffectiveness displayed by the current Abia State House of Assembly. In its recent performance review, the Assembly has shown itself to be not a co-equal arm of government, but a mere appendix of the executive, failing in its core constitutional responsibilities of oversight, accountability, and true representation.
A Legislature in Name Only
From its inability to probe the utilization of over ₦54 billion purportedly spent on public schools, to its silence on key environmental and infrastructural issues affecting the state, the Assembly has become a rubber stamp body, quick to approve and slow to question. This behavior undermines the very principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, and creates a dangerous culture of impunity within the government.
FENRAD had earlier submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request on the N54 billion education fund without any meaningful legislative follow-up from the relevant House committees. Rather than demand transparency, lawmakers looked away, reinforcing public perceptions of collusion or gross negligence.
Failure to Speak for the People
It is troubling that several lawmakers, when confronted with their poor performance, hide behind the excuse of “not getting anything” from the Assembly. If the legislature has truly been reduced to such irrelevance, the question must be asked: Why do these same lawmakers seek re-election in 2027?
FENRAD believes that representation should never be reduced to political entitlement. Public office is not a reward for loyalty to party leaders but a sacred mandate to serve the people.
Call to Action: 2027 Must Not Be Business as Usual
As the 2027 general elections approach, FENRAD calls on the good people of Abia State to reject any lawmaker who has failed to perform, failed to speak for them, and failed to hold the executive accountable. The state deserves a vibrant, independent, and people-centered legislature — not one that rubber-stamps executive decisions or sits idly in the face of public suffering.
We also call on political parties to prioritize capacity, integrity, and accountability in their nomination processes. Recycling underperforming legislators will only entrench further stagnation in Abia’s democratic journey.
Conclusion
A functional democracy requires all arms of government to be active, responsive, and accountable. The current performance of the Abia State House of Assembly falls far below acceptable standards. It is time for a reset.
FENRAD remains committed to promoting good governance, environmental justice, and civic engagement across Nigeria.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
📞 +2348033383708, +2347062949232
—Newspot Nigeria
