Nigerian Senate faces integrity test as legislative activities resume

AS the Nigerian Senate resumes legislative activities Tuesday April 30, the chamber faces a major test - building public confidence and its integrity amidst mounting public scrutiny.

The 10th Senate presided over by Godswill Akpabio battled many controversial issues since its inauguration and before it proceeded for holidays on Thursday, March 21, 2024; ranging from the purchase of SUVS worth billions of naira to the “special prayers sent to Senators’ email” among others. All these eroded public trust and put its integrity into question.

This was further intensified following allegations of budget padding. The upper chamber came under heavy criticism and public scrutiny after Abdul Ningi, a lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, alleged that over N3 trillion is not tied to any project in the 2024 budget.

Though the Senate defended the budget and proceeded to suspend Ningi at its plenary session on Tuesday, March 12, several Nigerians were however not satisfied with the explanation of the Senate

Akpabio decried that the integrity of the Senate has been totally damaged and subjected to ridicule by Nigerians.

“Nigerians are bashing the Senate. Many Nigerians will never in future come back to respect this chamber. The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged”, Akpabio had said.

He told Ningi that he would have apologized for a “false claim” to repair the Senate’s integrity.

To worsen the matter, a report by Budgit, a leading Civic Tech Organisation that scrutinizes budget matters in the country corroborated Ningi’s claim that over N3 trn was not tied to any project in the budget. The organisation further revealed that N2.2 trillion worth of projects were inserted into the budget by lawmakers, which raised more eyebrows among Nigerians and public opinion moulders.

Amid the controversy, another allegation that high-ranking Senators received N500 million for constituency projects surfaced. Jarigbe Jarigbe made this claim during a Senate plenary Session held on March 12, where he expressed his disappointment that he did not get his share. The plenary session immediately degenerated into a rowdy session as his colleagues prevented him from speaking further.

This further cast a shadow over the institution, shaking public trust and raising concerns over the priority of the National Assembly.

As the upper chamber prepares to resume, eyes are fixed on the legislative body to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and a commitment to public interest.

Adams Oshiomhole, a Senator representing Edo North while expressing his displeasure over the budget allegation, stressed the imperative of integrity in public service and the impact of accountability to his colleagues.

Oshiomhole emphasized the need to restore public confidence in the National Assembly by addressing lapses in integrity and misinformation.

By promoting a culture of truth-telling and taking responsibility for errors, stakeholders note that lawmakers can rebuild public trust and credibility in the legislative process.