Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad, arguing that the situation is setting what he described as a “bad precedent” for governance in Nigeria.
Oseni also questioned the ability of the National Assembly to effectively hold the executive accountable, describing the legislature as a “big rubber stamp” in his assessment of recent political developments.
His comments come amid renewed debate over Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria and the role of the National Assembly while both the President and Vice-President Kashim Shettima have been outside the country.
Oseni had previously argued that Tinubu could technically govern Nigeria remotely from France if that was his preference, while questioning the cost and tangible benefits of the President’s foreign travels.
The broadcaster has also criticised the National Assembly over its response to executive decisions, particularly its previous endorsement of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He questioned whether lawmakers could effectively act as a check on presidential power under the current political arrangement.
Oseni’s remarks have added to the wider public debate over separation of powers, presidential accountability and the constitutional role of the legislature in Nigeria.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government while abroad, with officials saying the President continues to perform his constitutional responsibilities remotely.
