Group Backs Senate’s Move To Reserve Presiding, Principal Officers For Ranking Lawmakers

The Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the Nigerian Senate for amending its Standing Rules to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices in the 11th National Assembly to ranking members with at least two consecutive terms of service.

According to the group, the forward-looking decision demonstrated that the Nigerian Senate is firmly attuned to global parliamentary best practices.

The Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria in a statement by its national co-ordinator Rapheal Okorie said across the world’s most mature democracies, leadership of legislative institutions is entrusted to experienced hands.

He noted that the United States Congress offers instructive examples — from Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who served in various leadership capacities from 2007 to 2025 — underscoring the universal value of rewarding legislative experience and institutional continuity.

“This development is widely accepted by Nigerian citizens. It is a popular course of action that will deepen our nascent democracy and strengthen the institutional foundations of the National Assembly. The amended rules, in our considered opinion, rise above any individual ambition. They are designed to outlast the present political moment and remain sustainable now and in the future.

“Crucially, this amendment is not about closing doors on any one person. It is about sending a clear message that the Senate is looking beyond its present composition toward the long-term integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s premier legislative chamber.

“Rules that reward experience and discourage impunity must be celebrated by every Nigerian who believes in the rule of law and the health of our democracy.

“We urge all Nigerians, civil society organisations and political actors to support this amendment and to hold the Senate accountable for its full implementation,” the statement added.