Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has spoken out following a tense moment on the Senate floor that erupted over the composition of a key legislative committee.
The disagreement arose during plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the initial list of members of a newly constituted committee. The announcement did not include Senator Lalong and some other lawmakers, a development that immediately drew objections from Senator Ali Ndume and triggered murmurs across the chamber.
Reacting in an Senator Lalong expressed strong displeasure over the manner the issue was handled, describing it as disrespectful and procedurally flawed. He explained that the exchange that followed the announcement did not reflect the decorum expected among ranking members of the Senate.
“I take exception. I’m withdrawing from the committee, don’t talk to me like that. What are you people introducing,” Lalong said, recounting his reaction to the unfolding situation. According to him, the tone and approach adopted during the session were unacceptable, particularly given his position and the sensitive nature of the committee involved.
The lawmaker stressed that his objection went beyond personal omission, emphasizing that institutional order and legislative procedure were at stake. He noted that committees, especially those overseeing electoral matters and INEC, are central to Nigeria’s democratic process and must be constituted with clarity, transparency, and due consultation
