$6bn loan: Opposition lawmakers silent in chamber, active on social media – Shehu Sani

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

A former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, on Saturday criticised opposition members in the National Assembly over what he described as their silence during the approval of a $6 billion loan request.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, said the loan was approved without a single dissenting voice from either the ruling party or opposition lawmakers, raising concerns about the quality of debate and scrutiny in the legislature.

According to him, the absence of resistance in the chamber contrasted sharply with the activities of some opposition figures on social media, where they often project strong criticism of government policies.

He argued that true opposition should be demonstrated during parliamentary proceedings, especially on critical national issues such as external borrowing, rather than being limited to online commentary.

The former senator noted that the development called into question the effectiveness of legislative oversight and the commitment of lawmakers to representing public interest.

He urged legislators to prioritise active participation and independent judgment in the chamber, stressing that decisions involving significant financial obligations require rigorous debate and accountability.

“Regarding the $6 billion loan approved by the lawmakers, including those in the ruling party and the opposition, not a single voice said no.

“Certainly, most opposition lawmakers just entertain you on social cedia and not in the chamber,” Sani wrote on his Facebook wall.