Morganable politics/Legislative Affairs
The senator noted that once a bill is introduced in either chamber of the National Assembly, it must undergo multiple readings, committee scrutiny, and public hearings before it can be adopted
kaNo —
The Nigerian Senate has distanced its leadership from the controversial proposal to fine individuals for preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles, clarifying that neither Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele nor Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Yemi Adaramodu sponsored or introduced the measure.
The clarification comes amid widespread public backlash over provisions contained in the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which retains a penalty of N50,000 for individuals found guilty of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The proposed sanction has sparked intense debate across the country, with critics describing it as insensitive given prevailing economic hardship and high unemployment.
In an interview on Wednesday, Adaramodu said claims linking him and Bamidele to the proposal were inaccurate and misleading.
“People must understand how the legislative process works,” Adaramodu said.
“Not everything debated on the floor of the Senate automatically becomes law. There are several stages a bill must pass through before it can be enacted.”he added
According to him, public misunderstanding of parliamentary procedures has contributed to the controversy, with many Nigerians assuming that debates or motions automatically translate into enforceable laws.
Motions Require Bill Backing Before Implementation
He explained that even when motions are discussed and resolutions reached, they remain advisory unless backed by a bill that completes the constitutional legislative process.
The senator noted that once a bill is introduced in either chamber of the National Assembly, it must undergo multiple readings, committee scrutiny, and public hearings before it can be adopted.
If passed, it is then transmitted to the other chamber for concurrence, where it undergoes further debate and possible amendments.
“It is only after both chambers agree on the same version that the bill is sent to the executive for assent,” he said.
“So it is until all these processes are completed that a proposal can become law.”
Adaramodu described as “baffling” the suggestion that he and Bamidele were behind the contentious provision, insisting that neither of them raised or sponsored any motion on the matter.
However, he acknowledged that as members of the Senate, they share collective responsibility for legislative deliberations.
Senate Clarify Controversial Clause
The Senate had earlier clarified that the controversial clause was not newly introduced but had existed in the principal Act establishing the Federal Road Safety Corps since 2007.
Despite the explanation, criticism has continued to pour in from religious groups, civil society organisations, and opposition figures, many of whom argue that penalising preaching in public transport could infringe on freedom of religion.
Others have raised concerns about the potential impact on informal traders who rely on commercial vehicles as a means of livelihood.
The controversy has reignited broader conversations about the balance between public safety regulations and fundamental rights, as well as the need for more inclusive stakeholder engagement during the legislative process.
State Police Bill Won’t Suffer Recess Delay-Senate
Adaramodu said legislative committees remain active even when plenary sessions are suspended, noting that ongoing efforts to harmonise the State Police Bill between the Senate and the House of Representatives would not be delayed.
“Our holiday does not stop harmonisation since we have committees,” he said.
“The National Assembly will resume plenary on September 14, but committee work continues uninterrupted.”he added
The State Police Bill, widely regarded as a major step toward decentralising policing in Nigeria, has gained traction following its passage by both chambers.
The harmonisation process involves reconciling differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill before presenting a unified draft for final approval.
The proposed reform has received support from state governors, legislatures, and security experts who argue that state-controlled policing could enhance responsiveness to local security challenges.
However, concerns remain about funding, accountability, and the potential for political misuse.
Adaramodu emphasised that committees of the National Assembly would continue to meet during the recess to fast-track the harmonisation process, ensuring that the bill is concluded within the shortest possible time.
“Whenever we have holidays like this, we use the opportunity to attend to our legislative duties and oversight in the relevant committees,” he said. “The only difference is that plenary sessions will not hold.”
Analysts also note that the backlash over the bus preaching fine underscores the importance of clear communication between lawmakers and the public, particularly on sensitive issues that touch on livelihoods and fundamental freedoms.
As debates continue, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and engagement to ensure that legislative outcomes reflect the realities and expectations of Nigerians.
The Senate leadership maintains that the contentious provision remains part of an ongoing legislative process and has not yet become law, urging citizens to follow due process and avoid misinformation.
