The Senate has called on journalists to help educate Nigerians about its internal rules and procedures.
This, it said, will prevent misunderstandings about its actions, particularly when dealing with members who violate parliamentary guidelines.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, made the appeal on Wednesday at a capacity-building workshop in Abuja organised for members of the Senate Press Corps.
Adaramodu specifically referenced Section 6(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, which grants the Senate President the authority to assign and reassign seating to senators at any time.
His comments were seen as an indirect allusion to the recent dispute involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended after refusing to accept a seat reallocation.
“Journalists, like lawmakers, are supposed to know the Standing Rules so that when somebody fails to observe the rules, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives, you let the public know in your reports,” Adaramodu stated.
He explained the practical implications of the rule, adding: “If you are supposed to sit on Seat Number 10 and you go and sit on Seat Number 13, you will not be recognised by the Presiding Officer. And if the affected lawmaker insists that he or she must be recognised, katakata (commotion) will surely come up.”
Adaramodu emphasised that seating arrangements are not permanent. “Also, seats allocated to senators are not permanent. The reason the Senate President, as mandated by the provisions of Rule 6(1), can re-allocate the seats of senators.”
He stressed the importance of upholding procedures, noting: “The National Assembly is not a banana republic where there are no laws. Our laws must be obeyed by us and understood by Nigerians, who are to be educated on them by those of you covering the Senate.”
The media workshop aimed to enhance reporters’ understanding of legislative processes to improve public reporting. Adaramodu concluded by setting a high standard for parliamentary correspondents, stating: “In fact, parliamentary reporters, like those of you covering the Senate, are expected to be educated and knowledgeable like lawmakers themselves, and even more knowledgeable.”
The event highlighted the ongoing effort to improve transparency and public understanding of the National Assembly’s operations, particularly following recent incidents that have sparked public debate.
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