By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Senate has dismissed allegations that it is stalling over 140 bills passed by the House of Representatives, asserting that it remains committed to legislative cooperation and due process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele addressed the matter during Tuesday’s plenary, describing the claims as unfounded. They cited recent legislative activity as evidence of the Senate’s commitment to treating House bills with priority.
The House of Representatives had earlier expressed frustration over what it described as persistent delays in the Senate’s consideration of over 140 bills originating from the lower chamber. Many of the bills in question were reportedly sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. In protest, the House had threatened to suspend consideration of Senate-originated bills.
In response, Akpabio firmly rejected the accusations, stating, “We cannot joke with concurrence bills from the House of Representatives. The Senate remains committed to working closely with the House in the interest of the nation.”
Senate Leader Bamidele, while presenting two concurrence bills during the session, noted that the Senate had approved six House bills just last week. He emphasised the chamber’s responsibility to uphold legislative integrity, not rubber-stamp submissions.
“For the record, we have been doing what we are supposed to do. Only last week, the Senate concurred with six bills from the House of Representatives,” Bamidele said.
“We understand the principle of reciprocity in our bicameral system, but that doesn’t mean we approve everything without scrutiny. As the foremost democratic institution in the country, we have a duty to exercise due diligence.”
He reiterated that the Senate will continue to evaluate House bills responsibly, guided by constitutional mandates and the national interest.
“We remain committed to reviewing concurrence bills in a manner consistent with our responsibilities under the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Bamidele added.
The Senate leadership assured that legislative harmony remains a priority and that collaboration between both chambers will be maintained to advance national development.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.