By: Sunny Orbih
Veritas University Abuja.
Laws are meant to provide order, fairness, and transparency in governance. However, when a law gives absolute power to an individual without proper checks, it creates room for abuse, discomfort, and unnecessary tension. This is the situation with Order 11, Rule 1 & 2 of the Nigerian Senate Standing Orders, which grants the Senate President the authority to allocate seats to senators and even change their seating arrangements at any time without prior notification.
This rule, though seemingly administrative, has serious implications. It disrupts the work environment of senators, raises political and security concerns, and, importantly, disregards the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs of Nigerians. The law needs urgent review to ensure that lawmakers are treated with the respect and stability required for effective legislative duties.
In the Nigerian Senate and legislative chambers, a seat as per Order 11, Rule 2 of the Senate Standing Orders refers to the designated sitting position of a senator within the Senate chamber, assigned by the Senate President. A senator can only speak and contribute to debates from their assigned seat.
But a “senator’s seat”; is not only a physical workspace but also a position of power, influence, and security within the establishment.
Order 11, Rule 2 also empowers the Senate President to change seat allocations at any time.
This means that senators have no control over their seating positions, and changes can only be made at the discretion of the Senate President without prior consultation.
*Why Is this a problem?*
*1. Psychological Discomfort and Disruption:* A senator, like any professional, forms a sense of attachment and familiarity with their work environment. Abruptly changing a senator’s seat without prior notification can be disorienting. It affects their sense of stability, disrupts their routine, and can impact their focus and efficiency.
Imagine a senator resuming work after the weekend only to discover their seat has been reassigned without warning. It takes time to adjust to a new position, and this change; especially if frequent—can reduce productivity.
*2. Political Manipulation and Power Play:* In a politically charged environment like the Nigerian Senate, seating arrangements carry symbolic and strategic importance. Certain seats offer proximity to influential colleagues, visibility, and access to key discussions. If the Senate President has the unchecked power to relocate senators at will, this can easily be used to sideline political opponents, break alliances, or favor loyalists.
A senator who challenges the leadership could suddenly find themselves moved to an unfavorable seat; isolated from allies and placed among opposing forces. This subtle yet powerful tool of control can be exploited for political gains rather than administrative necessity.
*3. Security Risks and Cultural Concerns:* Nigeria, like many African nations, has a deeply ingrained belief in spirituality, including the power of charms, voodoo (juju), and spiritual attacks. While some may dismiss these as mere superstitions, history has shown that many people; including politicians and public officialstake these beliefs seriously.
There have been cases where individuals suffered unexplained illnesses, misfortunes, and even death after being exposed to objects or substances placed on their seats or workspaces. Some leaders go as far as fortifying their offices and seats spiritually, believing that such measures protect them from enemies.
When a senator’s seat is changed without their knowledge, they may be reluctant to use the new seat out of fear that something may have been placed there to harm them. This is not an unfounded concern; it is a reflection of the cultural reality in which Nigeria operates. If a senator refuses to sit in their new position due to such fears, it creates unnecessary controversy and distracts from legislative work.
*4. A Disrespect to Lawmakers’ Dignity:* Senators are not school children who should be moved around like chess pieces without explanation. They are elected representatives of the people, and their work should be carried out with dignity and stability. The rule that allows the Senate President to change their seating arrangement at will, without informing them, undermines their status and trivializes their workspace.
This flawed law must be amended to reflect transparency, respect, and order in the Senate. The following steps could be taken:
*1. Mandatory Prior Notification:* Any change in a senator’s seat should be communicated at least 48 hours in advance, allowing the senator to prepare mentally and physically.
*2. Clear Justification for Seat Changes:* The Senate President should not have unchecked power to move senators arbitrarily. There must be a valid reason, such as administrative reorganization or infrastructural adjustments.
*3. Security and Personal Concerns Must Be Considered:* If a senator has concerns—whether political, security-related, or cultural—about a seat change, there should be a mechanism for appeal or alternative arrangements.
*4. Senate Approval for Major Reassignments:* If multiple senators are being reassigned seats, the decision should be reviewed and approved by the leadership council of the Senate, not left to one person’s discretion.
The power to allocate and reallocate Senate seats without prior notice may seem like a minor administrative rule, but it has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts lawmakers’ stability, opens doors for political victimization, disregards cultural realities, and raises security concerns.
A simple solution exists; senators should be informed before their seats are changed, and such decisions should be based on justifiable reasons, not personal discretion.
Laws must reflect the realities and values of the society they govern. Order 11, Rule 2 of the Nigeria Senate Standing Orders fails to do so. It is time for the Nigerian Senate to review and amend this rule to ensure fairness, stability, and respect for lawmakers.
