By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Federal lawmaker representing Edo South in the 10th National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, has fiercely defended the integrity of the 10th Senate, dismissing public perception that lawmakers have become mere approval machine of the executive.
Responding to journalists in his office on Thursday over concerns of the legislature acting as a rubber stamp to the presidency, Senator Imasuen insisted that cooperation between the arms of government should not be mistaken for subservience.
According to him, “If a good bill comes, I will support it regardless of where it comes from — executive or member. If that’s what people call rubber stamping, then so be it,” he said.
On the issue of alarms and pandemonium over rampant defections and fears of a one-party state, Imasuen downplayed the alarms, describing party-switching as a constitutional right protected under the freedom of association.
“Defection is not a crime. PDP once ruled Nigeria with dominance and it wasn’t called a one-party state then. Now that APC is gaining ground due to the collapse of opposition structures, it shouldn’t be seen differently,” he argued.
He dismissed suggestions that the growing dominance of the ruling party could threaten democracy, instead urging national unity amid current security and economic challenges.
On the controversial surge in bills proposing new universities and institutions despite Nigeria’s battered economy, the senator acknowledged the financial strain but emphasized that lawmakers still have the right to propose such legislation.
“The issue is not about proposing a bill, it’s about funding. If the budget can’t carry it, then it won’t be implemented,” he explained.
Addressing the upcoming National Security Summit, Imasuen expressed optimism, stating that unlike past administrations, President Tinubu was likely to act on the summit’s resolutions.
“The 8th and 9th Senates did this too, but their recommendations gathered dust. This time, I believe President Tinubu will take security seriously,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of the 10th Senate, Senator Imasuen admitted it has been a rocky start, largely due to the economic mess inherited by the current government.
“The last administration stood akimbo and did nothing. This administration has taken bold, sometimes painful decisions,” he said, praising Tinubu’s courage in tackling issues like VAT reform and the need for a national population audit.
He concluded by emphasizing that national development requires collective effort and praised the Tinubu administration’s will to confront hard truths.
“We’re on a tough but necessary road. If we stay the course, we’ll see progress,” he said.
