The Senate has rejected claims that it merely rubber-stamps decisions from the executive arm of government, insisting that its legislative actions reflect thoughtful deliberation and national interest.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, made this known during an interactive session with journalists over the weekend at his Ilawe-Ekiti country home in Ekiti State.
Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, said the current National Assembly is committed to productive engagement with other arms of government without surrendering its independence.
“What is the meaning of being a rubber stamp?” he queried. “Does it mean that if the executive sends an appropriation bill, we should oppose it just to prove a point?
“If the Federal Government proposes an increase in minimum wage, should we reject it because we don’t want to be labelled a rubber stamp? Our duty is to make good laws—not to wear boxing gloves and fight the executive.”
He noted that the legislature operates on principles of cooperation and constitutionality rather than confrontation, emphasizing that collaboration does not translate to subservience.
Citing the ongoing consideration of tax-related bills, the senator said the National Assembly had asked the executive to return for wider stakeholder consultations before deliberations began in earnest.
“When the tax bill came, there was a lot of public concern,” he said. “We asked the executive to engage with more stakeholders, which they did.
The bill was subjected to public hearings, where civil society groups and other stakeholders made their input. We are now at the third reading. Is that rubber-stamping?”
Adaramodu also addressed issues surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the decision fell within the jurisdiction of the executive.
On the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, he declined detailed comments, citing the matter as being sub judice.
He, however, described public reactions to the issue as worrisome, noting that “everyone suddenly becomes a lawyer and a judge when such issues arise.”
The Senate’s position comes amid growing public criticism of the legislature’s perceived passivity in the face of executive proposals, with critics accusing lawmakers of failing to serve as a check on the presidency.
But Adaramodu maintained that the red chamber remains focused on nation-building and will continue to act in the best interest of Nigerians.
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