NASS Stands Firm Amid Criticism Over Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Senate Leader Bamidele: National Assembly Unmoved by Public Backlash

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, has made it crystal clear that the National Assembly isn’t going to be swayed by the wave of criticism from Nigerians regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In his words, this decision wasn’t driven by political partisanship or a desire to play along with the presidency—it was all about what’s best for the nation as a whole.

Addressing a gathering while receiving an Honorary Doctoral Degree of Law from Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, Senator Bamidele emphasized that the approval given to the presidential proclamation was deeply rooted in the oath of office they all took. That oath, he reminded everyone, compels them to act wholeheartedly in the best interests of Nigeria. It’s not about personal gain or political favor—it’s about doing what’s right for the country.

Standing Strong Against Criticism

Senator Bamidele didn’t shy away from acknowledging the criticism that’s been pouring in. But he made it clear that neither he nor his colleagues in the Senate will falter or back down in the face of this backlash. In fact, he sees these criticisms as a sign of democratic progress. He explained that such reactions are a natural part of a thriving democracy, and they only inspire the National Assembly to work harder for the public good.

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He stressed, “We’re not afraid of criticism, and we never will be. Democracy thrives on public discourse, and we welcome it. However, we expect these criticisms to be constructive, offering real, credible, and patriotic alternatives. Unfortunately, the attacks we’ve seen so far are often driven by emotion rather than reason, sentiment rather than substance.”

He added, “If anything, these criticisms are fueling our determination to pursue the greater good for the people we represent. They’re not going to deter us from doing what we believe is right for Nigeria and its citizens.”

Constructive Criticism: The Backbone of Democracy

Bamidele went on to elaborate on the importance of constructive criticism in a democratic system. He pointed out that democracy doesn’t just survive—it thrives—on open dialogue and feedback. The National Assembly is open to hearing from the public, but he urged critics to come forward with thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments and solutions. This isn’t about creating noise; it’s about contributing to meaningful discussions that benefit the nation.

In wrapping up, Bamidele reiterated his commitment and the commitment of the National Assembly to serve the Nigerian people with integrity and courage. He emphasized that they’ll continue to make decisions based on what’s best for the country, even if it means facing criticism along the way. After all, standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard, is what leadership is all about.