We Were Not Elected to Fight the Executive — Senate President Akpabio Speaks on 10th NASS Support for Tinubu Administration

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that members of the National Assembly were not elected to engage in conflict with the Executive arm of government but to collaborate in fostering national development.

Speaking in an upcoming feature documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio stressed the importance of synergy between the legislative and executive arms to deliver on the mandate of good governance.

“When elected into the National Assembly—whether in the Senate or House of Representatives—your constituents do not hand you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Senate President highlighted the cordial relationship between the two arms of government, attributing it to a shared vision for national progress.

“If you spend all your energy fighting the Executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked. He also noted the uniqueness of the current administration, with a President, Vice President, and First Lady—all former lawmakers—creating an unprecedented alignment in governance.

Legislative Priorities: Local Industry, Economic Sovereignty

Akpabio revealed that the National Assembly is working on a bill that would mandate government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the procurement of locally assembled vehicles over imported ones.

“We have started the bill to enable us to first purchase automobiles from Nigerian companies before thinking of importing them,” he stated. “We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally.”

He decried the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving manufacturing and agricultural industries, including the textile, cotton, groundnut, and palm oil sectors—once pillars of the nation’s economy.

“Over 50 textile companies have shut down in Nigeria. Look at countries like Malaysia—they leveraged palm oil to build a robust economy,” he said.

Akpabio lauded President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy, calling it a “fantastic” initiative deserving legislative reinforcement. He disclosed ongoing discussions with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to introduce laws that promote local production and reduce import dependence.

“We are going to make laws that ensure almost every item we consume—if it can be produced in Nigeria—is produced here. ‘Nigeria First’ means bringing industries back to serve our over 200 million people.”

He also advocated for more support for local entrepreneurs, pointing to Nigeria’s vast consumer base. “Even if you produce vinegar and bag it well, it will sell. If you produce bread, you’ll become a millionaire with the size of our population.”

Checks and Balances, Not Rubber-Stamping

Refuting allegations that the legislature acts as a rubber stamp for the Executive, Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly has exercised its oversight responsibilities, including rejecting presidential nominees when necessary.

“People forget that we have made enemies by rejecting some of the nominees sent by the President. It’s not everything the President brings that we accept without scrutiny,” he said.

“Our job is to cross the T’s and dot the I’s—to ensure the President delivers the best outcomes for Nigerians.”

Akpabio reaffirmed that the 10th National Assembly is committed to pro-people legislation that aligns with the President’s reform agenda and addresses the everyday challenges of citizens.

“This government is not one of theory—it is one of action. And for us in the National Assembly, we are focused on legislation that puts people first,” he said.

Legislative Achievements So Far

The Senate President highlighted key bills passed in the past two years, including the Student Loan Act (NELFUND), tax reform legislation, and the Minimum Wage Bill, among others.

“We have scrutinised almost every bill the President brought forward, aligned it with the realities of the Nigerian people, and ensured its speedy passage,” Akpabio noted.

“We don’t waste time on anything that will improve the living standards of Nigerians.”

He assured citizens that more transformative laws aimed at reducing hardship, expanding the economy, and empowering young people are underway.