CISLAC Criticizes Senate Leadership, Accuses it of Stifling Dissent
Maryam Aminu
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a strong rebuke to the Senate leadership, following the removal of Senator Ali Ndume from his position as Chief Whip.
CISLAC claims that this move exemplifies an alarming trend of silencing dissent and undermining democratic representation within the legislative body.
In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization condemned Ndume’s removal as a tactic to suppress senators’ voices and prevent them from addressing the concerns o,f their constituents.
CISLAC likened these actions to autocracy, arguing that they compromise the constitutional role of senators as representatives of the Nigerian 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 contributions to the Senate and governance, stressing that his removal, absent any breach of Senate rules or the constitution, reflects sycophancy and damages the Senate’s credibility as an independent entity.
The organization criticized the Senate leadership’s alignment with executive policies that are perceived as anti-people and self-serving, suggesting that this alignment threatens the Senate’s autonomy.
“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, known for its legislative advocacy, further questioned the character and integrity of the current Senate leadership, arguing that their controversial backgrounds compromise democratic principles and endanger free speech.
The organization accused the leadership of silencing, intimidating, and harassing opposition senators, thereby undermining the democratic process.
“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.”
CISLAC emphasized the critical role of senators in representing the people, particularly in times of national crisis.
CISLAC argued that the Senate must be vocal and active in addressing the country’s pressing issues, rather than remaining silent and complacent.
“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 to have a vibrant Senate that speaks for its people,” the statement continued.
“The legislators are being forced to keep quiet while Nigerians are bleeding, hungry, and dying. Meanwhile, they are just sitting and collecting bogus salaries.”
CISLAC called on all senators, regardless of party affiliation, to hold the central government accountable and not to remain silent in the face of the country’s challenges.
The organization warned that silencing dissent and marginalizing outspoken senators, like Ndume and Abdul Ahmed Ningi, risks rendering the Senate irrelevant.
“In silencing dissent and marginalizing outspoken senators like Ndume and Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the Senate risks rendering itself irrelevant,” CISLAC concluded.
“Rather than penalizing Senator Ndume for advocating on behalf of Nigerians, his contributions should be acknowledged and respected.”
CISLAC also expressed concern over the perceived ambushing and silencing of opposition parties in the Senate, which it claims enables anti-people agendas and perpetuates non-transparent and unaccountable governance in Nigeria.
