The drama in the Senate this week is more than idle political theatrics. The country’s lawmakers have been in a dramatic tussle with the Executive arm over appointments, one that may have important legal and policy consequences. Until now, it has been taken for granted that lawmakers legally possess the power to confirm the President’s nominees. That is, until Ibrahim Magu. Magu, acting head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since 2015, has been rejected twice in Senate confirmation hearings for failing an ‘integrity test’ but, Aso Rock has mysteriously, committed to sticking with him. The Presidency’s contention clearly flies in the face of the well- established separation of powers doctrine- a cornerstone of all democracies; and may require a Supreme Court pronouncement. On the policy front, the Executive’s habit of refusing to make small political concessions in order to be able to drive its wider agenda, may hinder its ability to govern effectively if opposed by the National Assembly.
–SBM Intelligence newsletter, 7 July, 2017.
This, is a huge issue that we are sweeping under a Persian Rug.
In a democratic setting you must be able to make deals to push your agenda. This government has failed thus far because of a lack of unity of purpose between the arms that are supposed to drive the “change” agenda.
When you watch House of Cards, or C-Span for the more serious minded, or listen to PMQs, you see a lot of deal making. A whole lot. When Theresa May conducted her ill-fated election, to stay in power, she had to find a partner, and make a deal. Dodgy Dave before her too.
Here, we have a government which when on the campaign trail, made so many promises, but has been unable to implement, because of log-jams. Log-jams that are invariably self-inflicted.
Is it not stupid that APC controls executive and legislature, and can’t drive “change”? Then we hear the statement credited to the Acting President that Magu will remain in office as long as this government remains. What the dry fuck?
Who the fuck is Magu that he must be kept in office at all costs despite the fact that his presence is more or less grinding govt to a halt?
It is clear that NASS has drawn a line in the sand regarding this Magu issue, and a government that wants to drive an agenda is holding on? It is clear that ego is more important to these people than the benefit of the country.
So let us forget the APC government. It is done.
