Former Daily Trust Editor and political analyst, Mahmud Jega, has criticised the Senate for what he described as its tendency to hastily approve executive proposals without adequate scrutiny or public engagement.
Speaking on the podcast ‘Conversations with Professor Jideofor Adibe’, Jega said the current National Assembly has failed to fully exercise its oversight responsibilities, citing the speed with which it has considered major legislative proposals.
“The kind of Senate that we have today, everything that comes is speedily approved,” he said.
The veteran journalist pointed to deliberations on state policing and constitutional amendment proposals, arguing that such sensitive national issues deserved wider consultations before passage.
According to him, proposals relating to national security and constitutional reforms should undergo extensive public hearings to enable experts and stakeholders to make meaningful contributions.
“A serious issue like state police and constitutional amendment was sent and the Senate passed it that very day without public hearing,” he said.
“There are people in this country who are knowledgeable in security matters and who could make a lot of input. You didn’t call anybody; it was just passed that very day.”
Jega also cited the swift passage of legislation restoring Nigeria’s old national anthem as another example of the legislature’s readiness to fast-track executive-backed initiatives.
He stressed that the Senate should provide robust legislative oversight by thoroughly debating bills and nominations to ensure decisions reflect the national interest rather than expedited approvals.
