The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a strong rebuke against the Senate leadership under Senator Godswill Akpabio, following the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate’s Chief Whip. CISLAC accused the Senate leadership of stifling dissent and undermining democratic representation.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC condemned Ndume’s removal as an attempt to silence senators and prevent them from voicing the concerns of the Nigerian people. The organization likened this move to autocracy, warning that it undermines the constitutional role of senators as representatives of the people.
“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 highlighted Ndume’s significant role in the formation of the current Senate leadership and his contributions to governance. The organization emphasized that unless a senator violates Senate rules or the constitution, their removal reflects 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.”
CISLAC further criticized the character and integrity of the current Senate leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds threaten democratic principles and free speech. The organization accused the leadership of silencing, intimidating, and harassing opposition senators, thereby stifling democratic opposition and consolidating power.
“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 organization emphasized the importance of a vibrant Senate that speaks for the people, noting that the current situation leaves Nigerians feeling unrepresented and ignored during times of crisis. CISLAC urged senators to prioritize their role as public servants over party loyalty and to speak out against the country’s hardships.
“In 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.
CISLAC also expressed concern that opposition political parties in the Senate have been ambushed and silenced, allowing anti-people agendas and continued non-transparent and unaccountable governance in Nigeria. The organization called for a more active and outspoken Senate that holds the government accountable and represents the interests of the Nigerian people.