By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

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The spokesman of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has stated that the collaboration and support the National Assembly is offering to the administration of President Bola Tinubu is aimed at promoting the nation’s development and growth.

Adaramodu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed claims that the 10th National Assembly is a rubber stamp for the executive arm of government. He emphasised that lawmakers are prioritising national interest above all other considerations when making decisions.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend at his country home in Ilawe-Ekiti, the Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District urged Nigerians to be more understanding of the lawmakers’ legislative responsibilities.

According to him, “What does rubber stamp even mean? If the executive brings an appropriation bill—which is the budget—should we reject it just so we are not called a rubber stamp? If the federal government proposes road construction, should we oppose it for the same reason?

“If the government increases allocation to the judiciary or implements a new minimum wage, are we supposed to throw it out just to avoid being labelled as a rubber stamp?

“We are not in the Senate to fight the executive or any other arm of government. That is not our mandate. Our duty is to act as partners in progress—making laws, while the executive implements them and the judiciary interprets them.

“We won’t be making laws and at the same time interpreting and executing them. So, what laws have we passed that show we are not focused?”

On the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adaramodu said the Senate is unbothered by her recent activities, stating clearly that the Kogi Central senator remains under suspension.

“Don’t forget the Senate has its rules, and anyone who disrupts the smooth running of the chamber will face the consequences. Senator Natasha is suspended for now. Whatever she does in her constituency is her concern.

“If she apologises, the Senate will assess the sincerity of the apology and then take appropriate action,” he added.

Adaramodu also noted that the Senate’s approval of the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was a necessary step to protect both the state and the nation’s democracy.