Aisha Yesufu, the Nigerian human rights activist and #BringBackOurGirls co-convener, has accused the National Assembly of failing to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

In an open letter to the National Assembly, Yesufu said the federal lawmakers have failed to address the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and corruption that plague the nation.

She said that as the highest legislative arm of government, the National Assembly is supposed to be the voice of the people, alleging that it has become a rubber-stamp assembly, complicit in the country’s descent into chaos.

According to her, every member of the National Assembly should bow his or her head in shame, adding that they have collectively failed the people of Nigeria, whom they represent.

She charged the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the causes of insecurity and the failure of security agencies in protecting the people of the country, and to hold the executive accountable for its failure to protect citizens.

“The legislative arm of government is the bedrock of democracy. It is usually what signifies that a democracy is entrenched in a country. The legislative arm of government makes laws, has oversight functions, confirms nominations, ratifies treaties, and most importantly, holds the executive accountable.

“The legislative arm is supposed to be the activist in government, the voice for the voiceless. Every member of the National Assembly was voted in by the people to be a voice backed by constitutional authority.

“A voice that will speak up when people are in dire need. The importance of the role the National Assembly plays in amplifying the voices of the people can be seen in how the voices of the lawmakers are protected, and whatever they say on the floor of their respective chambers is never held against them,” she said.