Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the National Assembly’s working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that cooperating with the executive does not mean lawmakers have abandoned their constitutional independence.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Akpabio said the legislature would continue to support policies that serve Nigeria’s best interests rather than oppose the President simply to create political conflict.
According to him, the National Assembly exists to serve Nigerians and should remain open, transparent and accountable to the people.
“Constructive partnership should never be mistaken for constitutional surrender. Parliament does not prove its independence by manufacturing conflict, nor its relevance by opposing for opposition’s sake,” Akpabio said.
He stressed that lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to support policies that benefit the country, scrutinise government actions where necessary and recommend improvements when required.
Akpabio also encouraged Nigerians to take a more active role in the legislative process by attending public hearings, following parliamentary proceedings and holding elected representatives accountable.
“Parliament should never fear informed criticism. Questions strengthen democracy. Transparency strengthens legitimacy,” he added.
The Senate President revealed that the 10th National Assembly has passed more than 100 bills within its first three years, describing the achievement as unprecedented at this stage of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said the legislature had approved laws aimed at improving national security, reforming the tax system, increasing the national minimum wage, boosting investment and establishing regional development commissions.
Akpabio also noted that the National Assembly had worked harmoniously with the House of Representatives while maintaining a productive relationship with the executive arm of government.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s return to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) after nearly six decades, describing it as a sign of growing international confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
Calling on citizens to engage more with the legislature, Akpabio said Parliament belongs to Nigerians and should never be seen as a closed institution.
“Whether you are with us today, following these proceedings online or gathered beneath a mango tree in a village square, this parliament belongs to you,” he said.
He expressed hope that the National Assembly Open Week would strengthen public trust and encourage greater citizen participation in governance.
