"CISLAC Condemns Senate's Muzzling of Senators' Voices, Warns of Autocratic Tendencies"
By Perpetua Onuegbu
ABUJA, NIGERIA July 23, 2024 - The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has criticized the Senate leadership for silencing senators and undermining democratic representation, following the removal of Sen. Ali Ndume as Chief Whip.
In a statement on Sunday, CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani), expressed concern that the Senate's actions were eroding its mandate and weakening the legislature as an independent arm of government. He likened the trend to autocracy, stating that it demonstrated a disregard for democratic principles and the constitutional role of senators as representatives of the people.
Musa argued that the Senate's alignment with executive policies and self-serving interests raised concerns about its autonomy, portraying it as an extension of the executive rather than a checks-and-balances institution. He criticized the character and integrity of the current Senate leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds undermined democratic principles and threatened free speech and democratic consolidation.
The CISLAC boss emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition in the Senate, stating that the silence of opposition senators was unacceptable and allowed anti-people agendas to flourish. He urged the Senate to acknowledge and respect contributions like Sen. Ndume's, rather than penalizing him for advocating on behalf of Nigerians.
The statement concluded that the Senate's muzzling of dissenting voices risked rendering itself irrelevant, and warned against continued non-transparent and unaccountable governance in Nigeria.
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