Comrade Ufezime Nelson Ubi, a passionate advocate for good governance and socio-political reform in Nigeria, has issued a compelling call for the immediate scrapping of the Nigerian Senate. His statement, which challenges the necessity and function of the upper chamber of the National Assembly, has sparked widespread debate across the nation.
In his detailed remarks, Comrade Ufezime argues that the Senate, as it currently operates, has become a hindrance to Nigeria’s development and democratic progress.
The existence of the Senate creates a costly and inefficient duplication of functions that could be performed by the House of Representatives. Both chambers of the National Assembly largely engage in similar legislative tasks, and the presence of the Senate only adds to the bureaucracy without any meaningful contribution to the legislative process. By scrapping the Senate, Nigeria can streamline its legislative procedures, making governance more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people.
Comrade Ufezime highlights the excessive financial burden posed by the Senate, noting that Nigerian taxpayers foot the bill for the lavish salaries, allowances, and perks enjoyed by Senators. This exorbitant cost is a strain on the national budget, especially in a country where resources are already stretched thin. By abolishing the Senate, the funds allocated to it can be redirected toward vital sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
Despite being entrusted with representing the people, the Senate has repeatedly been accused of corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. The upper chamber has been criticized for its failure to pass significant reforms that could drive the country’s growth and development. Scrapping the Senate would be a step towards a more accountable legislative process that puts the needs of the Nigerian people first.
Comrade Ufezime asserts that the existence of the Senate in its current form runs contrary to the principles of equality and fairness upon which true democracy is built. The Senate, with its overrepresentation of certain regions, undermines the spirit of a truly representative democracy. Eliminating the Senate would ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of region or background, is equally represented in the decision-making process.
The call for the Senate’s abolition is part of a broader movement for political and institutional reforms in Nigeria. Comrade Ufezime believes that the time has come for Nigerians to demand a more transparent, efficient, and accountable government. Scrapping the Senate would be a pivotal step in addressing the systemic issues that have plagued the nation for decades.