Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned political parties and state governors against treating the National Assembly as a political reward system, stressing that high lawmaker turnover severely weakens institutional memory.

Nigeria has historically struggled with a high legislative turnover rate, where a significant percentage of lawmakers fail to return after every election cycle due to internal party politics, godfatherism, and zoning arrangements.

Political analysts have repeatedly noted that this constant churn starves the parliament of experienced legislators who understand the technical intricacies of lawmaking and oversight.

Speaking during a Senate session on Thursday, Akpabio argued that experienced lawmakers should be supported to return to the red chamber to enhance parliamentary effectiveness and national development.

"It is not good for a senator to serve in the Senate for only one year and then leave. Political parties must take a closer look at their decisions, particularly when dealing with serious-minded individuals who can make meaningful contributions to legislation and national development," Akpabio said.

The Senate president made the remarks during deliberations on a motion seeking urgent shoreline protection for the Aiyetoro community in Ondo State, which was sponsored by Senator Dayo Faduyile.

He noted that denying capable legislators return tickets deprives the country of vital expertise.

"The Senate is not a place for sharing political largesse," he added.

To emphasize the importance of legislative continuity, Akpabio referenced mature democracies like the United States, where former Senator Robert Byrd served in Congress for more than five decades and former President Joe Biden spent decades building institutional experience in the Senate.

He urged political stakeholders to prioritize legislative competence and continuity to ensure that laws enacted by the assembly genuinely address Nigeria's socioeconomic challenges.

ID