The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has vehemently criticized the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, condemning the recent removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate’s Chief Whip. CISLAC accuses the current Senate administration of silencing dissent and undermining democratic principles.
In a strongly-worded statement, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, asserted that Ndume’s ousting represents a troubling trend of silencing senators and stifling their ability to represent the Nigerian populace effectively. The organization likened this move to autocracy, highlighting its detrimental impact on democratic representation.
“The Senate’s actions undermine the constitutional role of its members as representatives of the people at the highest levels of government,” the statement read. “By restricting senators from expressing national concerns, the Senate risks eroding its mandate and weakening the legislature as an independent arm of government.”
CISLAC emphasized Ndume’s significant contributions to the current Senate leadership and governance, arguing that his removal, absent any violation of Senate rules or the constitution, reeks of sycophancy and undermines the Senate’s credibility as an independent body.
“The Senate leadership’s alignment with executive anti-people policies and self-serving interests raises concerns about its autonomy,” CISLAC added. “It portrays the Senate as a mere extension of the executive, contradicting its role as a check on government excesses.”
The organization further lambasted the character and integrity of the Senate’s current leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds threaten democratic principles and the free expression of opposing views.
“They have silenced, intimidated, and harassed opposition senators, forcing them to keep quiet. This is not democratic, and it’s not acceptable,” CISLAC stated. “There must be room for opposition in the Senate. Democracy only flourishes where a thriving opposition exists. The opposition parties have been silenced, and this should not be tolerated.”
Highlighting the grave disconnect between the Senate and the Nigerian people, CISLAC remarked, “The senators are there to represent the people. If the people are not happy with the way the country is run, then there’s a crisis. Nigerians need a vibrant Senate that speaks for its people. Legislators should be advocating for the welfare of Nigerians, not sitting idly collecting salaries.”
CISLAC’s critique extended to the entire Senate, urging all senators, regardless of party affiliation, to uphold their duty of holding the central government accountable. “All the other senators shouldn’t just keep quiet in times like this. The Senate has various parties—APC, PDP, LP, and APGA—and they are all quiet when they are supposed to hold the central government accountable.”
“Being loyal to the party does not mean you should be quiet when people are kidnapped, killed, and hungry. It’s an anti-people action to stay silent when the country is not going well,” CISLAC added. “You should not just keep quiet when the country is in hard times; this is not acceptable.”
In conclusion, CISLAC warned that by silencing dissent and marginalizing outspoken senators like Ndume and Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the Senate risks rendering itself irrelevant. “Rather than penalizing Senator Ndume for advocating on behalf of Nigerians, his contributions should be acknowledged and respected,” CISLAC concluded.
The organization expressed grave concern that opposition political parties in the Senate have been ambushed and silenced, allowing anti-people agendas and non-transparent governance to persist unchallenged.
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