CISLAC Tasks Senate On People Oriented Representation

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Senate to create an atmosphere in the chamber that would FasTrack legislation to demonstrate people oriented democratic representation.

A statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa
Rafsanjani, says that, this became necessary to build the trust of the people on the nation’s elected leaders especially the law makers condemning Ndume’s removal, stating that it
demonstrates a trend of silencing senators and preventing them from voicing
the concerns of the Nigerian people whom they are elected to serve.

“The Senate’s actions undermine the constitutional role of its members as
representatives of the people at the highest level of government,” restricting senators from expressing
national concerns, the Senate risks eroding its mandate and weakening the
Legislature as an independent arm of government.” Musa-Rafsanjani added.

Highlighting Ndume’s significant role in the formation of the current Senate leadership and his contributions to governance, CISLAC 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 anti-people policies and self-serving interests raises concerns about its autonomy, “It portrays the Senate contradicting its role as a check on government excesses.”

It says, the senators are there to represent the people to serve as a voice to people on the way the country should be run, 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. Therefore the need to brace up to their role that requires them to connect with the people, speak with the people, and voice their demands as well as checkmate the excesses of the other arms of government
irrespective of party loyalty.

CISLAC therefore advise the legislature to always resolve their differences to bolster the confidence of Nigerians on accountability of leaders in Nigeria.

PR/Florence Adewale