Senate President Akpabio: Lawmakers Elected to Foster National Development, Not Confrontation
The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized that lawmakers were not elected to engage in confrontation with the Executive, but to foster policies that promote national development. In a recent documentary marking two years of the Bola Tinubu administration, Akpabio reflected on the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive.
According to Akpabio, the relationship between the two arms of government has been cordial over the past two years, driven by a shared vision for the country’s progress. “When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio was reflecting on the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive.
He said: “When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves.
“It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria.”
The President of the Senate emphasised that the relationship between both arms of government had been cordial over the past two years, owing to a shared vision for the country’s progress.
“If you spend all your energy fighting the Executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked.
He added that the current administration was unique in Nigeria’s history, with a President, First Lady, and Vice President, all former senators.
Highlighting legislative priorities, Akpabio said the National Assembly was working on a bill mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise procuring locally assembled vehicles over imported alternatives.
“We have started the bill for enacting legislation to enable us first purchase automobiles from Nigerian companies before thinking of importing them,” he said.
“We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally,” he said.
Akpabio stressed that the current administration is unique in Nigeria’s history, with a President, First Lady, and Vice President, all former senators. He highlighted the National Assembly’s legislative priorities, including a bill mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize procuring locally assembled vehicles over imported alternatives.
“We have started the bill for enacting legislation to enable us first purchase automobiles from Nigerian companies before thinking of importing them. We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally,” Akpabio stated. He underscored the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, citing the collapse of the textiles industry and cash crops, such as cotton, groundnut, and palm oil, which were once the bedrock of the economy.
Akpabio praised the “Nigeria First” policy championed by the Tinubu administration, describing it as a “fantastic” initiative that deserves legislative backing. He noted that discussions were ongoing with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to promote laws ensuring Nigeria produces most of what it consumes.
“We are going to make laws and produce bills that ensure almost every item we consume that can be produced in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria. Taking Nigeria first means bringing industries back to the country to serve our population of over 200 million,” Akpabio said. He called for more support for local entrepreneurs, noting that even small-scale production ventures such as vinegar or bread could thrive in Nigeria’s vast consumer market.
Regarding checks and balances, Akpabio refuted claims that the legislature was merely rubber-stamping executive decisions. He noted that the National Assembly had occasionally rejected presidential nominees when necessary, and that its role was to scrutinize, amend, and support executive actions that align with national interest.
Akpabio assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly would continue prioritizing pro-people legislation supporting the President’s bold reform agenda. He cited several landmark legislative interventions that align with the administration’s reforms, including the Student Loan Act (NELFUND), Tax reform bills, and the Minimum Wage Bill.
“We have done quite a lot in just two years. I assure Nigerians that more people-focused laws are coming: laws that will reduce hardship, open the economy, and empower young people. We don’t waste time on anything that will enhance the living standard of Nigerians,” Akpabio stated.
In conclusion, Akpabio’s statement highlights the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive in promoting national development. The Senate President’s emphasis on supporting local entrepreneurs and reviving Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is a welcome development, and his assurance that the National Assembly will continue to prioritize pro-people legislation is a positive sign for the country’s future.
