The deputy national secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), Kunle Ajayi, has called on lawmakers to always push for laws that promote justice, protect citizens’ rights, foster development, and ensure fairness in the country.

Mr Ajayi, also the AAC governorship candidate in the November 16 Ondo State election, made the call during an interview on Friday in Lagos.

He said lawmakers must possess a strong ideological foundation, adding that they should always act to safeguard democratic values and create equal opportunities for all citizens.

“Legislators should maintain regular contact with their constituents to understand their needs. They should not rely solely on personal opinions when sponsoring or supporting bills,” he said.

He urged elected representatives to convene constituency meetings within three months of assuming office and hold quarterly engagements to provide feedback and receive public input on governance.

Mr Ajayi also advocated functional constituency offices where residents can freely present complaints, discuss community challenges and contribute ideas that would shape legislative decisions and public policies.

He recalled that lawmakers during Nigeria’s first republic lived among their constituents, making them more accessible, accountable and responsive to the people they represented.

He emphasised that legislators must remain principled, defend their constituents’ mandate, and contribute to deliberations on proposals placed before parliament.

“Lawmakers should examine every bill critically, apply sound reasoning and make decisions based on logic, evidence and the overall public interest,” Mr Ajayi said.

The deputy national secretary maintained that corruption, oppression and undemocratic conduct are incompatible with legislative service, insisting that integrity is essential for effective representation.

He said parliamentarians must faithfully represent their constituents by enacting laws that promote justice, accountability, equity and sustainable national development.

(NAN)