President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo has said that excessive powers in the hands of the executive arm of government was behind the disregard of the legislature  by some highly placed public officials.

Speaking on behalf of a delegation of leaders of the South and Middle Belt who paid a courtesy visit to the Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday, Nwodo blamed the nation’s political system which vests so much power in the executive arm for the unfortunate development.

According to a statement released by Sanni Onogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Nwodo said the recent invasion of the Senate by thugs who forcefully snatched the Mace and the refusal of the Inspector – General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to honour the summons of the Senate were clear examples of the Executive’s disregard for the National Assembly.

“We have watched the helplessness of the National Assembly where members of the executive even refuse your invitation to come and make explanations contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

“We have found the helplessness of the Senate when you can be invaded in spite of the security adornment in this place controlled by the executive, and the seat of the Senate President is almost invaded but for the personal security of the aides of its leadership,” Nwodo said.

He added: “This is because our system makes the tail wag the dog rather than the dog wagging the tail.”

To ameliorate situation, Nwodo called for a revisiting of the power devolution clause that was rejected in the ongoing constitution amendment process as promised by the National Assembly.

In his response, Saraki said the National Assembly was ready to play its role to ensure that the country continues on the path of democracy and growth, adding that they were ready to reconsider the devolution of power clauses after the passage of the 2018 budget.

Other members of the delegation included Chief Olu Falae, Obong Victor Attah, Banjo Akintoye, Ayo Adebanjo, Yinka Odumakin, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dan Suleiman, Maryam Yunusa and Irangate Idiongesit ..