The Senate has reiterated that its operations are guided strictly by rules and not subject to arbitrary conduct.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized this on Wednesday during a one-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja.
Speaking on the recent controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adaramodu stressed that the National Assembly was not a “banana republic” and must operate within established regulations.
“The National Assembly is not a banana republic. We operate under rules that must be obeyed. It’s important that Nigerians are made to understand this, and you, the journalists covering the Senate, have a key role to play,” he said.
He urged journalists to educate the public on parliamentary standing rules to curb misconceptions about disciplinary actions taken in plenary. Citing Section 6(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, he noted that the Senate President is empowered to allocate or reallocate seats to lawmakers as necessary.
Adaramodu explained that disputes, such as the one involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, often arise from ignorance or disregard of these rules. He stressed that journalists, like lawmakers, must be knowledgeable about the rules to ensure accurate reporting.
“If a senator is assigned seat number 10 and chooses to sit on seat number 13, that senator will not be recognised by the Senate President. If the person insists on being recognised, trouble will certainly ensue,” he said.
He added that seat assignments are not permanent and may be adjusted at the discretion of the Senate President, underscoring that strict adherence to rules is key to maintaining order and credibility in the National Assembly.
What you should know
Senator Yemi Adaramodu’s comments highlight the Senate’s insistence on discipline and adherence to its standing rules, particularly in light of recent controversies.
His remarks also place responsibility on journalists to bridge the knowledge gap between legislative procedures and public perception.
