25th June, 2015
Eromosele Ebhomele
A popular Lagos-based Islamic cleric and former lawmaker, Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem, has described Nigeria’s seventh National Senate headed by Senator David Mark as the worst senate in the world, not only in its activities, but in regard to corruption.
Abdul-Hakeem, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and top Islamic scholar, further slammed the Senate for milking Nigerians dry enriching themselves at the expense of poor masses.
Speaking at a Ramadan lecture organised by the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade, the cleric recalled how the seventh Senate “shamelessly” passed 46 bills in 10 minutes just hours to the end of the tenure just to cover up for their inactivity throughout the four years lifespan of that Senate.
Abdul-Lateef commended Nigerians for clamouring for a pay cut in the budget of the National Assembly just as he warned the members of the National Assembly not to take this call for a joke.
He said while Nigerians are clamouring for this pay cut, the lawmakers have also explained that their various constituencies are their problem as they make financial demands at every opportunity.
He therefore urged Nigerians to begin to discourage themselves from putting financial pressure on legislators so as not to push them to steal public funds.
He also said the constitution does not need any more amendment, and that if the government can focus on the Chapter 2 of the budget, Nigerians would not disturb lawmakers.
Speaking further, Abdul-Hakeem called for Section 6 (sub-section 6c) of the Nigerian constitution to be expunged as it was a clog to Chapter 2 of the same constitution which states that the responsibility of the the responsibilities of the government to the people of the country.
According to him, Section 6 of the constitution states that no court of law can force the Federal Government to implement the chapter 2 to the latter.
He said ordinarily, chapter 2 of the constitution says the responsibility of the government is the welfare of the people meaning that those not employed are supposed to enjoy some benefits from the government till they get jobs.
He said the constitution states that the government must provide free education at all levels for students, provide old-age benefits to old people and free health to Nigerian children.
He commended Agunbiade for facilitating major projects including the Mile 12-Ikorodu Road to the area and added that the lawmaker had become a major force in the state Assembly.
Speaking on the topic: ‘The Power of Iman (Faith) in Man’, Agunbiade, who said this was the fifth edition of the programme, added that from birth, human beings live by faith.
He urged Nigerians to love their neighbours, preach peace and unity for the country to move forward.
He also promised to continue with the programme as long as he was capable to do so.