By Fatima Saka
Two senators on Tuesday commented on the delayed resumption of the Nigerian Senate, expressing support for the leadership’s decision to postpone the official return from its two-month recess, while also reflecting on Nigeria’s state at 65 years of independence.
Senator Anthony Ani, representing Ebonyi South District, described the postponement as a strategic move that would allow lawmakers to return better prepared for the tasks ahead, particularly the upcoming national budget.
“In my opinion, shifting is a way of giving us ample time to re-strategize. We have rested enough and are now better prepared for greater jobs ahead. The leadership has integrity, and this was done out of wisdom, not ignorance. It is for good, for better, that’s why the shifting became inevitable,” Ani said.
On the matter of a colleague who has been absent for six months, Ani maintained that the Senate as an institution operates strictly by its rules and procedures.
“The Senate is an institution with principles. We cannot depart from them, and I am sure we have not departed from them,” he stated.
Similarly, Senator Pam Dachungyang of Plateau North defended the leadership’s decision, stressing that the delay was necessary to ensure proper groundwork before resumption.
“The principal officers possibly felt that there are some things to put in order before we officially resume. It is best for us to adjust since certain parameters were still hanging,” he explained.
Speaking on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Dachungyang noted that while progress has been uneven, there remains hope for the future.
“So far, we are still crawling. We are not yet on our feet because many things are still at fault. But 65 years is no joke. The best is yet to come, depending on how we handle things,” he remarked.
On the prolonged absence of their female colleague, Dachungyang admitted dissatisfaction but called for calm and responsibility.
“I’m not happy it has taken this long. A simple apology would have sufficed instead of prolonged court cases. The law is not male or female, it governs everybody equally,” he said.
Both senators reiterated confidence in the Senate leadership and expressed optimism that the legislature will soon resume fully to tackle pressing national issues.
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