Senate refutes delay claims, insists on due diligence in bill concurrence

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations by the House of Representatives accusing it of stalling legislative processes by delaying concurrence on bills passed by the lower chamber.

Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the upper chamber’s legislative conduct, stressing its commitment to processing bills from the House in a timely and responsible manner.

Their response comes after members of the House expressed frustration last week, accusing the Senate of neglecting over 140 bills, including several sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

In protest, the House resolved to halt further consideration of bills originating from the Senate.

Bamidele, however, clarified that the Senate had approved six concurrence bills from the House just last week.

He emphasized that while cooperation between both chambers is vital, the Senate is obligated to scrutinize bills thoroughly.

“For the record, we have been fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities. Only last week, we concurred with six House bills,” Bamidele stated.

“Yes, we operate on the principle of reciprocity, but that doesn’t mean we accept everything without scrutiny — it’s not garbage in, garbage out.”

Senate President Akpabio echoed the need for collaboration, saying, “We cannot joke with concurrence bills from the House. We are committed to working together for the good of Nigerians. It takes two hands to clap.”

The Senate leadership reassured the public of its dedication to legislative efficiency and harmony, asserting that mutual respect and diligence are crucial for Nigeria’s democratic progress.