Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, spoke with some selected journalists on the worsening insecurity in the country, the National Assembly’s position on defence spending, state police, anti-kidnapping legislation, economic reforms and other pressing national issues. SEYE OLUMIDE was there.

What informed the Senate’s decision to reject calls for a probe into defence and security spending amid growing security challenges?

Security remains the most urgent challenge facing Nigeria today. Every region of the country has experienced one form of security threat or another, whether terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, oil theft or other forms of violent criminality. Therefore, no responsible government official can pretend that the issue is not serious.

However, when the motion seeking a comprehensive probe of military spending came before the Senate, we had to consider the broader national interest. Our position was not that the military should operate without accountability. Rather, we felt that placing the military under a public investigative process while it is actively engaged in a war against terrorists and criminal gangs would have been inappropriate and potentially harmful to national security efforts.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have been operating under very difficult circumstances. The military successfully pushed back Boko Haram insurgents when they occupied territories and local governments in the North-East. At one point, these terrorists openly controlled communities and hoisted their flags in parts of Nigeria. The military reclaimed those territories and significantly degraded their operational capacity.

What has happened since then is that the enemy has changed tactics. Instead of conventional warfare, terrorists and criminal groups now operate through guerrilla methods, ambushes, hit-and-run attacks and isolated cells spread across different locations. This has created a more complex security environment.

The Senate believes oversight should continue through established channels. The committees on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force regularly examine budgets, monitor procurement processes and conduct inspections. There are many security matters that cannot be openly discussed because doing so could compromise military operations.

I can assure Nigerians that significant efforts are ongoing. Security agencies are working closely with international partners, intelligence sharing has improved, and military operations are producing results. The recent wave of attacks should not automatically be interpreted as a failure. In many instances, it reflects the desperation of criminal groups under sustained military pressure. We must continue supporting our security institutions while demanding accountability through appropriate constitutional mechanisms.

Critics argue that the 10th National Assembly has largely functioned as a rubber stamp for the executive. How would you react to that characterisation?

I do not agree with that characterisation. What many people describe as a rubber stamp is, in fact, a deliberate strategy of constructive engagement between the legislature and the executive.

The reality is that many disagreements are resolved before issues reach the Senate floor. We engage extensively with ministers, heads of agencies, party leaders, and the Presidency. During those engagements, concerns are raised, objections are made, and adjustments are often secured.

There have been instances where nominees presented for confirmation were quietly returned for reconsideration because concerns had been identified. There have also been cases where legislative proposals underwent substantial modifications following consultations with lawmakers.

Some people believe that independence can only be demonstrated through public confrontations. We disagree. The primary duty of Parliament is to deliver outcomes that benefit Nigerians. If issues can be resolved through dialogue without unnecessary public drama, then that is often the better approach.

At a time when Nigeria is facing security challenges, economic pressures and major governance reforms, cooperation between institutions is necessary. Collaboration does not mean surrendering legislative authority. It simply means pursuing solutions that advance the national interest.

At a time when insecurity has become a major national concern, what explains the delay in operationalising state police despite widespread support for the initiative?

The issue of state police is one on which there is now a significant national consensus. Across political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and security experts, there is growing recognition that Nigeria needs a more decentralised policing structure.

The current security challenges have exposed limitations within the existing system. Policing a country as large and diverse as Nigeria requires innovative approaches. This is why the National Assembly has been working on constitutional amendments to provide a legal framework for state police.

A great deal of consultation has taken place. The process has involved the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Presidency and other relevant stakeholders. We have examined concerns regarding funding, command structures, training standards, and safeguards against political abuse.

The decision has now been taken to separate the state police amendment from other constitutional review matters in order to accelerate its passage. Once approved by the National Assembly, the proposal will be transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly because constitutional amendments require support from at least two-thirds of the states.

The President supports the initiative, and many governors have indicated their readiness to embrace the reform. Given the level of support and the urgency of the security situation, we are optimistic that the process will move forward quickly.

State police will not be a magic solution to insecurity, but it will significantly strengthen local intelligence gathering, community policing and rapid response capabilities.

What informed the Senate’s push for stiffer penalties for kidnappers and their collaborators?

Kidnapping has become one of the gravest threats to public safety and national development. It affects education, agriculture, business activities and public confidence. Communities live in fear, investors become reluctant, and economic activity is disrupted.

The amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act seeks to impose harsher penalties not only on kidnappers but also on those who facilitate their operations. This includes financiers, informants, collaborators and anyone who knowingly provides support to criminal networks.

The objective is to strengthen deterrence. Criminals must understand that the consequences of kidnapping will be severe. The courts have already begun imposing tougher sentences in some cases, and the proposed legislation will reinforce that approach.

The Senate and the executive are united on this issue because insecurity cannot be defeated without strong legal frameworks. Security agencies need laws that reflect the seriousness of the crimes being committed.

The legislative process is ongoing, and Nigerians can be assured that the amendment remains a priority. The fight against kidnapping must involve stronger laws, better intelligence gathering, improved prosecution and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.

With growing calls for ranching and modern livestock practices, what efforts are underway to phase out open grazing and prevent further conflicts?

This issue sits at the intersection of security, agriculture and social relations. The conflicts between farmers and herders have contributed significantly to violence in several parts of the country.

The challenge is that the issue is deeply sensitive. It involves long-standing traditions, land rights, economic livelihoods and cultural identities.

Therefore, any solution must balance competing interests while protecting national security. The creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development represents a major policy intervention. The ministry has been established to modernise livestock production, promote ranching and develop sustainable solutions that reduce conflict.

Legislation alone will not solve the problem. Extensive consultations with stakeholders are necessary. Farmers must feel protected, while herders must be provided with alternatives that enable them to conduct their businesses within modern frameworks.

Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate the recurring clashes that have claimed lives, destroyed property and undermined agricultural productivity.

What role has the National Assembly played in cushioning the impact of economic reforms?

The Constitution places equal emphasis on security and welfare. Therefore, while we focus on security issues, we must also address the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

One of our major interventions is the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. This initiative is helping students access higher education regardless of their financial circumstances. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility and national development.

We have also enacted tax reforms designed to ease the burden on low-income earners and small businesses. Workers earning around the minimum wage threshold have been exempted from income tax, while many small enterprises are protected from certain corporate tax obligations.

These measures are intended to provide relief during a period of economic adjustment. The broader objective is to create a more competitive economy, encourage investment and stimulate job creation.

Economic reforms are often difficult in the short term, but Parliament has sought to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians receive adequate protection through targeted legislative interventions.

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day today, 33 years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, what key lessons has the nation learned from that historic event and its impact on democratic governance?

Nigeria has undoubtedly made progress since the return to democratic rule, but we still have considerable work to do.

Democracy is not simply about conducting elections. It is about building strong institutions, promoting accountability, respecting the rule of law and ensuring that public officials remain answerable to citizens.

One challenge we continue to face is the need to strengthen institutions rather than individuals. Democratic systems become more stable when institutions function effectively regardless of who occupies office.

The National Assembly remains committed to reforms that deepen democratic governance. Electoral reforms, constitutional amendments and efforts to improve representation are all part of that broader objective.

Democracy is a journey rather than a destination. The important thing is that we continue moving in the right direction. Some Senate investigations appear to drag on without clear conclusions. Why does this happen?

It is important to understand the nature of parliamentary investigations. Not every inquiry is designed to end with public accusations or dramatic announcements.

The Public Accounts Committee, for example, functions as an accountability mechanism. It reviews audit reports, examines financial records and compels agencies to explain discrepancies.

In many cases, agencies provide additional documentation, correct identified deficiencies or implement recommended reforms. Those outcomes may not always generate media attention, but they are often the intended objectives of the process.

There are also situations where broader public interest considerations come into play. Decisions must sometimes take account of investor confidence, ongoing legal proceedings, sectoral stability and national economic interests.

What may appear from the outside as delay or inaction often involves extensive engagement behind the scenes. The goal is always to achieve outcomes that serve the public interest rather than merely creating headlines.

In light of recent court rulings on electoral matters, do you believe there is a need to further amend the Electoral Act to address existing legal gaps and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process?

My position is that any review of the Electoral Act should occur after the electoral cycle has been completed. Electoral laws should not be changed in the middle of a highly charged political environment. Such changes can create suspicion and undermine confidence in the process.

The judiciary has the constitutional responsibility to interpret laws, and we respect its decisions. After elections have been concluded, stakeholders can evaluate the process, identify gaps and consider necessary amendments. What is important is that any future reforms should strengthen electoral integrity while preserving public confidence in democratic institutions.

What is your response to criticisms regarding National Assembly allowances and vehicle allocations?

I support transparency. In fact, I believe all remuneration for public office holders should be published openly. There is a widespread misconception that lawmakers determine their own salaries and allowances. That is not the case. These matters are handled by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Similarly, official vehicles provided to lawmakers are not personal assets. They are tools required for constituency engagements, oversight functions and legislative responsibilities. I have consistently argued that all remuneration packages for elected and appointed officials should be published. Transparency will help eliminate misinformation and allow citizens to make informed judgments.

What would you describe as the Senate’s biggest achievement and lowest point?

Our lowest point was a period when internal controversies dominated public discourse. Instead of focusing on legislation, governance and national development, attention shifted to disputes within the Senate. That was unfortunate because it distracted from the institution’s substantive work.

As for achievements, I believe our most important contribution has been supporting reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening governance. We have enacted laws affecting education, agriculture, finance, healthcare and other critical sectors.

However, security remains the issue that defines this period. Everything else depends on it. Economic growth, investment, food security and national unity all require a safe and stable environment.

That is why the National Assembly continues to prioritise measures such as state police, tougher anti-kidnapping laws, improved counter-terrorism frameworks and enhanced oversight of security institutions.

Ultimately, the success of any government will be measured by whether citizens can live, work, farm, study and conduct business without fear. Restoring security remains our foremost national obligation, and we will continue working toward that objective through legislation, oversight and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Security must remain at the centre of national discourse because without peace and safety, no meaningful development can be sustained.