Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the National Assembly’s relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that lawmakers would not oppose the executive merely for political optics but would instead prioritise legislation and oversight aimed at advancing Nigeria’s national interest.
Speaking on the role of the legislature, Akpabio dismissed suggestions that the National Assembly should deliberately clash with the presidency to demonstrate its independence, stressing that constructive engagement between both arms of government does not amount to surrendering the legislature’s constitutional powers.
According to the Senate President, the responsibility of lawmakers is not to manufacture unnecessary conflict with the executive but to enact laws, provide effective oversight and pursue policies that improve the lives of Nigerians.
He maintained that while the National Assembly remains committed to its constitutional duty of holding the executive accountable, it would continue to support policies and reforms it considers beneficial to the country, irrespective of political sentiments.
Akpabio argued that governance is better served through collaboration than constant confrontation, noting that both the executive and the legislature are partners in the collective responsibility of addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
His remarks come amid growing criticism from opposition politicians and civil society groups, who have accused the 10th National Assembly of failing to provide sufficient checks on the executive and acting as a rubber stamp for the Tinubu administration.
However, Akpabio rejected such characterisations, maintaining that cooperation between the two arms of government should not be mistaken for a lack of independence. He said the legislature would continue to scrutinise government policies where necessary while supporting initiatives designed to promote national development and improve citizens’ welfare.
The Senate President reaffirmed that the National Assembly’s loyalty lies with the Nigerian people, adding that lawmakers would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities guided by the country’s overall interest rather than political grandstanding.
