In a recent statement to The Sun, Senator Shehu Sani, renowned human rights activist and public commentator, offered his assessment of the current Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comparing it with previous administrations.
Senator Sani, who served in the 8th National Assembly, lauded former Senate President Bukola Saraki, describing him as the most effective Senate President Nigeria has ever had.
He highlighted Saraki's pivotal role in holding the executive accountable and safeguarding the independence and integrity of the National Assembly.
Drawing contrasts with Saraki's tenure, Senator Sani criticized the current Senate led by Ahmad Lawan, labeling it a "rubber stamp Senate." He expressed disappointment over its perceived failure to adequately check the executive branch during President Buhari's administration.
"Saraki was the best Senate President we have ever had. For the fact that he held the executive to account and that for the first time, a National Assembly was viewed with integrity and we maintained the independence and sanctity of the National Assembly, that is, the Parliament.
Godswill Akpabio’s Senate is far, far below the standard of Saraki’s Senate, but it is far ahead of Lawan’s Senate," Senator Sani remarked.
He further voiced concerns about the implications of the previous Senate's actions, questioning the effectiveness of the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. Senator Sani pointed out that Lawan's Senate, in its eagerness to support President Buhari, allegedly contributed to the country's current challenges.
"Lawan’s Senate was a rubber stamp Senate because part of the problems which we have now, they plunged Nigeria into; the fact that the Senate at that time failed to perform its duty. It was approving everything of Buhari, endorsing everything of Buhari and then, they led us to where we are today.
Most of the revelations that are coming now about how this country was destroyed, the question you will ask is, where was the National Assembly from 2019 till 2023?" Senator Sani remarked critically.