Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the cordial relationship between the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said constructive cooperation between both arms of government serves the national interest and should not be mistaken for a surrender of the legislature’s constitutional independence.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja. He said lawmakers would continue to work constructively with the executive while faithfully carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, those responsibilities include making laws, providing oversight and representing the interests of Nigerians.
Parliament belongs to Nigerians
The Senate President said the National Assembly exists to serve Nigerians. He added that it must remain transparent, accountable and accessible to every citizen.
According to Akpabio, parliament belongs to the people whose votes brought lawmakers into office and not to those elected to occupy legislative seats.
“These walls were never meant to keep Nigerians out. They were built to welcome them in—not merely as spectators of democracy, but as its rightful owners.”
He continued:
“Parliament belongs not to those elected to sit within it, but to the millions whose hopes and votes brought it into existence.”
Akpabio explained that democracy grows stronger when citizens understand how parliament works and actively participate in the legislative process.
Transparency builds public confidence
The Senate President said democratic institutions earn public trust through openness, transparency and accountability.
He argued that parliament should welcome informed criticism because public scrutiny strengthens democracy rather than weakens it.
“Public confidence is earned not by asking citizens to trust institutions blindly, but by embracing transparency and accountability.”
He added:
“Parliament should never fear informed criticism. Questions strengthen democracy. Transparency strengthens legitimacy. The more Nigerians understand our work, the stronger our democracy becomes.”
Akpabio therefore encouraged Nigerians to participate more actively in legislative activities. He urged citizens to attend public hearings, follow parliamentary proceedings and hold their elected representatives accountable.
“We invite Nigerians not merely to observe us, but to engage with us; not merely to applaud where they agree, but to challenge us where they believe we can do better.”
He added that a parliament that listens becomes wiser, while a democracy that listens becomes stronger.
Akpabio reviews Assembly’s achievements
Reviewing the performance of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio said lawmakers had passed more than 100 bills within the first three years of the current Assembly.
He described the achievement as unprecedented at this stage of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, the legislature has enacted laws to strengthen national security and tackle the challenge of out-of-school children. It has also passed measures to reform Nigeria’s tax system and improve the country’s investment climate.
Akpabio further noted that the National Assembly approved a new national minimum wage and established regional development commissions to promote balanced national growth.
He also said lawmakers had diligently screened and confirmed nominees for public office. In addition, he disclosed that Nigeria recently regained a seat on the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union after nearly six decades.
‘Partnership is not constitutional surrender’
Akpabio rejected suggestions that the close relationship between the legislature and the executive undermines the independence of parliament.
According to him, cooperation between both arms of government should not be interpreted as submission.
“Throughout these responsibilities, the National Assembly has worked constructively with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in pursuit of national progress.”
He continued:
“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.”
The Senate President explained that lawmakers would continue to support policies that advance the national interest. At the same time, they would scrutinise proposals that require further examination and improve policies where necessary.
“Our constitutional duty is to support what advances the national interest, to question what requires scrutiny, and to correct what demands improvement. That is the balance we have sought to maintain, and history, I believe, will judge it fairly.”
Akpabio also praised the relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives. He said both chambers had maintained uncommon harmony and mutual respect while discharging their legislative responsibilities.
Nigerians urged to engage parliament
The Senate President urged Nigerians to take greater ownership of the parliament by participating in its activities and scrutinising its work.
He encouraged citizens to attend public hearings, study legislation, question lawmakers and contribute meaningfully to national discussions.
“Whether you are with us today, following these proceedings online, listening on radio, watching on television, or gathered beneath a mango tree in a village square, this parliament belongs to you.”
He added:
“Come closer. Attend our public hearings. Read the laws we make. Question us. Challenge us. Encourage us. Democracy flourishes when citizens remain active participants in the work of self-government.”
Akpabio expressed confidence that the 2026 National Assembly Open Week would further strengthen public trust in the legislature. He said the initiative would also deepen the relationship between parliament and the Nigerian people.
“The true measure of parliament is not the height of its walls, but the depth of its people’s confidence.”
