The Senate has clarified that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, did not sponsor the controversial proposal seeking a ₦50,000 fine for people convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial vehicles.
The clarification comes amid widespread public criticism of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with many Nigerians accusing the lawmakers of introducing the measure despite prevailing economic hardship.
Addressing the controversy, Adaramodu explained that the proposal originated from the House of Representatives and should not be attributed to him or Bamidele.
He also stressed that debates on the floor of the National Assembly do not automatically become law, noting that every bill must pass through several constitutional stages, including consideration by both chambers, committee review, harmonisation where necessary and presidential assent.
Adaramodu further dismissed claims circulating on social media linking him and the Senate Leader to the proposal, insisting neither of them introduced the motion.
The clarification comes as debate continues over the provision, which the Senate says has existed in the FRSC Act since 2007.