Senate Rule Amendment Aimed to Strengthen the Institution, Eyiboh Says, Not to Protect Individuals

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has defended the recent amendment to the Senate Standing Rules, arguing that the change is intended to strengthen the institution rather than protect individual political interests.

Eyiboh, a former spokesperson for the House of Representatives, said the public debate had incorrectly focused on personalities instead of the Senate’s long‑term development as an institution.

He explained that the amendment, which requires senators who seek key presiding and principal offices to have a minimum level of legislative experience, is part of an effort to deepen parliamentary stability and continuity.

“The office of Senate President is one of the most sensitive and technically demanding constitutional offices in Nigeria. Experience matters,” he said.

Eyiboh noted that legislatures worldwide periodically review their procedures and qualification standards to respond to changing governance realities, adding that refusing to reform internal processes could lead to institutional stagnation.

He dismissed claims that the amendment was designed to curb competition or shield specific individuals, insisting the focus should be on whether the new rule serves the Senate’s long‑term interests.

The Senate spokesman also rejected arguments that the amendment could invalidate Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President, noting that the new qualification threshold did not exist when he assumed office.

“Laws are generally prospective, not retroactive,” Eyiboh said, stressing that Akpabio emerged under the rules in place at the time and could not be affected by a later amendment.

He warned that applying new rules to past actions would create instability in governance and undermine democratic institutions.

Eyiboh further maintained that while openness and inclusiveness remain important in democracy, leadership of sensitive legislative institutions requires procedural knowledge, institutional memory, and parliamentary experience.

He added that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and other lawmakers were entitled to their opinions on the amendment, but urged that the debate remain focused on institutional growth rather than political rivalry.

“Institutions outlive individuals. Senate Presidents will come and go, but the rules and traditions established today may shape legislative stability for decades,” he said.