Former Senate President David Mark has urged that members of the National Assembly be allowed to serve more than a single four‑year term, saying new legislators need time to learn the job.
Mark, who represented Benue South in the Senate from 1999 to 2019 and served four terms, made the remarks on Saturday at the launch of The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, a book by former senator Effiong Bob published by Premium Times Books. He is currently national chairperson of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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“I want to appeal that members, legislators, are given more than one term, two terms, three terms. I spent 20 years in the Senate, and I’m very grateful to my electorate and constituency for giving me that opportunity,” he said.
Mark said first‑term senators and representatives are often “lost” during their initial four years as they learn parliamentary rules and procedures. “In the first four years in the National Assembly you don’t know your way around. You need more than that,” he added.
He did not say whether his appeal was aimed at political parties or the electorate, but argued that experienced lawmakers wield greater influence and are more effective.
Speaking about the book, Mark praised Effiong Bob for documenting the experiences of legislators and sharing personal anecdotes. He said many of the burdens lawmakers face are imposed by others — constituents, state governors, the executive, the judiciary and political parties — though some stem from campaign promises.
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“From the moment you are named by the party as an aspirant… you become ‘Father Christmas’. You have to,” he said, describing persistent requests for financial help with school fees, medical bills and rent.
Mark also criticised the influence of state governors, who often control party structures and decide who receives return tickets. He recounted pleading with a governor to endorse a candidate’s re‑election only to be refused.
He warned that even after being declared the winner of an election, a legislator can face prolonged uncertainty if their victory is challenged in court, leaving them unable to settle into their role.
The launch drew attendees from across the political spectrum who discussed the institutional and personal challenges facing Nigeria’s lawmakers.
