Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, on Sunday, said it was alarmed that the sitting of the Senate on Thursday slated to debate and approve the Shehu Sani-led committee report on loan meant for Lagos-Ibadan rail project had only two out of the 18 senators from South-West in attendance.
Afenifere lamented the situation in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, describing the attendance as not only “appallingly embarrassing” on a normal legislative day, but more of a treason against the people they represented given the fact that an issue slated for discussion was of critical importance to the South-West.
“Afenifere is alarmed that the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, July 27, had only two out of the 18 senators from the South-West in attendance.”
“This figure is appallingly embarrassing on a normal legislative day but is more of treason against the people they represent given the fact that an issue of critical importance to the South-West was on the table for discussion,” Afenifere said. The group it further described the incident as a sad day for the South-West.
The group, however, recalled that it took intense lobbying by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to save the project from being stalled by senators from other zones in the country.
According to it, this was “in spite of the persuasive argument by Senator Sani’s Committee that the Lagos-Ibadan project was a pilot one by the funders to see how effective we can be before approving the requests in other zones.
“Lagos-Ibadan rail project is funded by loans from China sourced by the Federal Government.”
Afenifere, while expressing appreciation to senators from other zones for saving the project from being killed, “when our own representatives were not available at their duty posts,” insisted that, “Our absentee senators owe their constituents explanation on this gross dereliction of duty at the most crucial moment.
“The Yoruba nation has had quality and effective representation at the National Assembly in the past not to be shocked by this unserious approach to legislative duties. We seriously admonish a rethink and more dedication to duty by our elected representatives.” (Nigerian Tribune)