Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to focus on the broader institutional implications of the Senate Standing Rules amendment rather than reducing the debate to political personalities.
In a statement on Monday, Eyiboh said the controversy surrounding the amendment has generated more emotions than constructive engagement, stressing that the real issue is whether the Senate should strengthen its internal structures and promote legislative stability through institutional reforms.
According to him, the amendment, which introduces a minimum legislative experience requirement for senators seeking key presiding and principal offices, should be viewed as part of efforts to improve parliamentary governance rather than a move targeted at any individual.
Eyiboh argued that legislatures across the world regularly review and refine their rules to reflect evolving realities, noting that failure to adjust procedures when necessary often signals institutional stagnation.
He maintained that leadership positions such as the office of the Senate President require more than popularity, explaining that the role demands deep knowledge of parliamentary traditions, legislative procedures, constitutional interpretation, committee operations, and intergovernmental relations.
The former House of Representatives spokesperson added that many established democracies rely on institutional memory and legislative continuity to maintain stability in parliament, saying such measures are designed to reduce unnecessary turbulence and ensure competent leadership.
While acknowledging concerns that experience requirements could be used to entrench political interests, Eyiboh insisted that the solution is not to discard standards entirely but to maintain reasonable qualification thresholds that encourage both competence and renewal.
He noted that experience without openness could breed arrogance, while openness without experience could result in ineffective leadership, stressing the need for a balance between seasoned lawmakers and fresh perspectives.
Eyiboh also dismissed claims that the amendment was introduced to protect Senate President Akpabio or limit political competition, insisting that institutions grow stronger through periodic reforms and procedural adjustments.
He further rejected suggestions that Akpabio should resign because the new qualification criteria were not in place when he emerged as Senate President, arguing that laws and procedural rules are generally prospective rather than retroactive.
According to him, applying new rules to past events would undermine legal stability and create uncertainty in governance.
Eyiboh said the real focus of the debate should be whether the amendment serves the long-term interests of the Senate and strengthens Nigeria’s parliamentary democracy.
He stressed that continuity and stability in legislative leadership should not be viewed as threats to democracy, adding that institutions weakened by constant uncertainty and procedural inexperience ultimately damage democratic governance.
The Senate spokesperson also stated that lawmakers should approach the issue with intellectual honesty and statesmanship rather than framing every procedural reform around political rivalries.
While recognising the right of senators, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to express dissenting views, Eyiboh said discussions should remain centred on institutional development rather than individual political ambitions.
He concluded that political office holders will come and go, but the rules and traditions established today could shape the stability of Nigeria’s legislature for generations.
“Experience matters,” he said.
