Throwback Report: Senegal Gets Rid of Its Senate to Save Government Money

The Nigerian government has been urged by social media users to abolish the Senate to save the running costs of the government like Senegal did 4 years ago.

This is a report from Africa dated back at September 19, 2012. It was a measure devised to reduce the wastage of governmental funds as experienced in Nigeria today in the face of economic downturn.

This odd means was suggested after the controversial purchase of 36 SUVS in the tune of an excess of N36 million each  despite the hardship passed through by the people who have been badly affected by inflation.

Read the throwback report below:

Senegalese lawmakers, who are divided between a 150-seat national assembly and a 100-seat senate, voted to do away with the senate, passing a law which dissolves the institution in order to save an estimated $15 million.

Minister of Justice Aminata Toure explained that the suppression Tuesday of the senate is intended to curb government spending, and will provide the cash needed to help the victims of the yearly rains which have left thousands homeless and killed at least 13 people.

Unlike the national assembly, the senate is a relatively recent institution, and has become a symbol of government waste. It's been frequently pilloried and described as an instrument of cronyism, a way to reward loyal party workers who did not get elected to the larger national assembly. Around half the senators are directly appointed by the president.

Congress also voted to abolish the office of vice president, establish in 2009 by then-President Abdoulaye Wade, the BBC reports. It has not ever been occupied.