It is with great labour that we elect to educate the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) on the functions of the legislature. This has become necessary following the statement issued by the group “admonishing” “the Senate to desist from interfering with the executive in running of state affairs but to concentrate more on its duties of providing adequate legislation for the growth of the nation” over the resolution of the upper legislative chamber on the MTN fine.
The statement of the BMO speaks trenchantly about the fallen standards of education in the country, which the present administration has worsened.
First, it is one of the functions of the Senate to pass resolutions on any issue affecting the country. Therefore, the Senate did not act outside its powers by taking a position, through a resolution, on the reduction of the MTN fine.
If the BMO had cared to do a little study, it would have realised that the upper legislative chamber specifically asked for an explanation of why the fine was reduced from $8.1 billion to $800 million, and of why it became necessary.
The executive cannot act in repudiation of the legislature. Transparency demands that the executive does not act in isolation of the legislature.
The BMO should understand that the legislature is an institution of check; hence it must always hold the executive accountable.
We urge the group to do some research before issuing statements so as not to run the risk of always advertising its ignorance.
Samuel Odion,
Spokesman, Atiku/Obi Advocacy Group
