Human rights advocate and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has lashed out at the Nigerian Senate for what she described as blind loyalty to President Bola Tinubu following its swift approval of the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, Yesufu declared “SHAME ON THE SENATE!” accusing lawmakers of reducing a once-respected institution into “a chamber stripped of dignity and constitutional purpose.” She condemned the Senate’s rapid endorsement of Tinubu’s request, insisting it lacked critical debate, scrutiny, or any meaningful assessment.
According to her, the action makes a mockery of the National Assembly’s constitutional duty to question, balance, and check the powers of the executive.
Yesufu argued that committing troops abroad at a time when Nigeria is buckling under insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship is not only irresponsible but dangerous. She warned that the decision risks the lives of already overstretched soldiers and drains scarce resources that should be invested in urgent domestic needs like healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
“How can a nation struggling to secure its own citizens justify sending troops elsewhere?” she asked, pointing to the longstanding challenges faced by Nigerian soldiers, including poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and ignored grievances.
She added that the Senate’s action sets a troubling precedent where “executive whims override national consensus,” weakening already fragile democratic institutions and creating room for authoritarian tendencies.
Describing the lawmakers as rubber stamps rather than representatives of the people, Yesufu said their failure to demand transparency or accountability amounts to a betrayal of their constitutional mandate. She warned that Nigeria is witnessing real-time democratic backsliding, with weakened institutions, rising authoritarianism, and a growing loss of credibility both regionally and internationally.
Calling out every member of the 10th Senate, she declared that none deserve the title “Distinguished,” insisting that a legislature unwilling to defend the people has forfeited its dignity.
“We are not helpless as citizens,” she said, “but the senators, through their servitude to Mr. Tinubu, have abandoned the responsibilities entrusted to them. They should bow their heads in shame.”
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