The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a scathing critique of the recent removal of Senator Ali Ndume from his position as the Senate’s Chief Whip.
The organization accused the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, of stifling dissent and undermining democratic representation.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC condemned Ndume’s removal, asserting that it reflects a disturbing trend of silencing senators and preventing them from voicing the concerns of the Nigerian populace. CISLAC likened this behaviour to autocracy.
“The Senate’s actions undermine the constitutional role of its members as representatives of the people at the highest levels of government,” the non-government organization stated.
“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 is an act 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 said.
“It portrays the Senate as a mere extension of the executive, contradicting its role as a check on government excesses.”
CISLAC, known for its legislative advocacy, further criticized the character and integrity of the Senate’s current leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds threaten democratic principles and the freedom of speech.
“They have silenced, intimidated, and harassed opposition senators, forcing them to keep quiet. This is not democratic, and it’s not acceptable,” CISLAC declared.
“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,” it said.
CISLAC stressed the importance of senators representing their constituents’ interests.
“If the people are not happy with the way the country is run, then there’s a crisis. Nigerians need to have a vibrant Senate that speaks for its people. The legislators are being forced to keep quiet while Nigerians are bleeding, hungry, and dying. Meanwhile, they are just sitting and collecting bogus salaries. They are supposed to be doing serious work. The Senate is not a chieftaincy position; it’s a serious role that requires them to connect with the people, speak with the people, and voice their demands,” the organization stated.
The organization called on all senators to speak out against injustices and hold the central government accountable, regardless of party loyalty.
“You should not keep quiet as a legislator; you’re only undermining democracy if you do. 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 said.
“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,” it said.
The organization 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.
