198
By Oscar Okhifo
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that the 10th National Assembly functions merely as a “rubber stamp” for the executive, insisting the legislature has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic journey and national development.
His comments came during a solemn plenary session marking June 12 Democracy Day on Thursday.
Speaking during a solemn plenary session commemorating June 12 Democracy Day and marking 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, Akpabio defended the Assembly’s record and urged Nigerians to “ignore the critics who do not understand why we are here.”
“Democracy is not a gift, it is a trust we must protect,” he said. “Real governance is not a contest between arms of government, it is a partnership. Where governance is in partnership, progress follows. Where it is in conflict, the people suffer.”
Akpabio, delivering a rousing tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 election, described that day as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political history. He said, ” Nigeria did not just lose an election but lost her innocence” with the annulment of what is widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest poll.
He called for continued remembrance and national reverence for those who died in the struggle for democracy, proposing the establishment of a June 12 Museum to preserve the stories, artifacts, and sacrifices of the democratic movement.
“They died because they loved Nigeria. They loved her enough to fight for her soul,” he said.
The Senate President also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the administration’s bold economic reforms and vision, commending the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of forex markets, tax reforms, and the creation of regional development commissions.
“This administration has not shied away from hard decisions, as others did. These efforts are gradually restoring investor confidence and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity,” he stated.
Highlighting the performance of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio revealed that 844 bills have been introduced in just two years and called it an unprecedented figure in Nigeria’s legislative history.
According to him, out of these, 96 bills have been passed by the Senate, with 52 already signed into law by the President.
He emphasized that the Assembly has demonstrated renewed vigor in addressing national challenges, citing its decisive work on 26 executive bills and over 100 citizen petitions, including 28 that were fully adopted.
“We are not here to rubber-stamp. We are here to work. To deliver. To govern,” Akpabio said, adding that the Assembly’s synergy with the executive arm is a strength, not a weakness.
As the nation reflects on the strides and shortcomings of its democratic journey, Akpabio urged citizens especially young people, civil society, and the media to participate actively in shaping and safeguarding democratic values beyond the ballot box.
“To the youth, we must not treat you as spectators but as partners. To the media, hold us accountable, but with responsibility. Democracy must not only live on election days; it must live in our daily lives,” he said.
The Senate chamber, which Akpabio referred to as the “heartbeat of the nation’s democracy,” welcomed President Tinubu in a symbolic return to the legislative arm where his political journey once began.
The tenth National Assembly has been declared by many Nigerians as the worst ever and described it as a hub of “yes men” with no minds of their own.
Overtime, the green and red chambers have left no one in doubt that they are at the whims and caprices of the president. Whatever the President sent for approval gets accelerated passage without scrutiny. No matter how injurious the request is to Nigeria or Nigerians, it is never rejected. This is why it is lebelled as “rubber stamp legislature”