SENATE LEADER DEFENDS UPPER CHAMBER AGAINST ALLEGED SNUB OF HOUSE BILLS

The Senate has dismissed recent claims that it deliberately snubs or delays bills passed by the House of Representatives, reaffirming its commitment to legislative harmony and public accountability. Addressing the issue during plenary on July 8, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that the Red Chamber had in fact concurred with six recent bills from the House and continues to act responsibly in processing legislation. “We are not here to rubber-stamp. Every bill must undergo scrutiny to ensure it serves the public interest,” Bamidele declared.The statement comes amid criticism from some quarters suggesting a breakdown in coordination between the two chambers of the National Assembly. However, Bamidele insisted that the Senate was acting within its constitutional mandate and has no reason to delay progress on national legislation without just cause. The clarification is seen as a move to maintain legislative synergy ahead of upcoming joint sessions on constitutional amendments and sectoral reforms.