Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the cordial relationship between the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu, insisting that cooperation between both arms of government is in line with constitutional responsibilities and should not be mistaken for a loss of legislative independence.
Speaking on Tuesday while declaring the 2026 National Assembly Open Week open in Abuja, Akpabio said the legislature would continue to work with the executive whenever it serves Nigeria’s national interest, stressing that lawmakers have no obligation to manufacture disagreements to demonstrate autonomy.
He described the National Assembly as an institution that belongs to the Nigerian people, noting that democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in governance through participation, accountability and constructive criticism.
According to him, parliament should remain transparent, accessible and responsive to the people it represents.
Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to attend public hearings, monitor legislative activities and hold elected representatives accountable, saying such engagement strengthens democratic institutions.
He maintained that the legislature welcomes criticism aimed at improving governance, adding that a parliament that listens to the people becomes more effective.
Highlighting the achievements of the 10th National Assembly, the Senate President said lawmakers have passed more than 100 bills within their first three years in office, describing the feat as unprecedented at this stage of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said the Assembly had enacted legislation to improve national security, expand access to education by addressing the out-of-school children crisis, reform the tax system, approve a new national minimum wage, promote investment and establish regional development commissions.
Akpabio also noted that the National Assembly has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility by screening and confirming key public office holders, while adding that Nigeria recently regained a seat on the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union after nearly six decades.
Defending the legislature’s relationship with the presidency, he said cooperation should not be interpreted as constitutional surrender.
According to him, the National Assembly supports policies that advance the national interest, scrutinises government actions where necessary and pushes for improvements when required.
He further praised the working relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives, describing the collaboration between both chambers over the past three years as one built on mutual respect and shared commitment to national development.
Akpabio expressed optimism that the National Assembly Open Week would deepen public confidence in the legislature, improve transparency and strengthen citizens’ participation in the legislative process.
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