As the 10th Senate marks its third anniversary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has identified the controversy surrounding the suspension of a fellow senator as one of the lowest moments of the current National Assembly, describing it as a major distraction from the legislative work of the chamber.
Speaking in Abuja while reflecting on the performance of the Senate over the last three years, Bamidele said there was a period when public attention shifted away from the institution’s legislative activities to debates over the suspension of a senator and criticism of the Senate’s handling of the matter.
According to him, the controversy created the impression of disunity within the chamber and generated questions about respect for gender issues and institutional cohesion.
Bamidele said the development overshadowed the Senate’s efforts to make laws and carry out oversight functions aimed at promoting good governance.
Despite the challenges, the Senate Leader maintained that the 10th Senate has recorded significant achievements, particularly in supporting economic reforms and stabilizing key sectors of the economy.
He pointed to the passage of tax reform legislation, describing the measures as revolutionary and capable of boosting government revenue and strengthening the non-oil sector in the years ahead.
According to him, the Senate also worked closely with the executive arm of government to review laws affecting the banking, finance, foreign exchange and security sectors in a bid to enhance economic stability.
Bamidele also cited his sponsorship of the legislation that restored Nigeria’s former national anthem, describing it as one of the landmark laws passed during the life of the current Senate.
Bamidele further highlighted legislative interventions in agriculture, education and health, noting that lawmakers have enacted laws targeted at national development and improved service delivery.
On his personal legislative contributions, the Senate Leader disclosed that he has sponsored more than 70 bills since the inauguration of the 10th Senate, with over half of them being private member bills.
He said several of the bills have resulted in the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions, including universities focused on agriculture, technology and development studies.
He expressed confidence that the reforms initiated by the 10th Senate would have a lasting impact on governance, economic growth and national development.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
