Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday defended the cordial relationship between the Legislature and the Executive arm of government
He said the federal lawmakers were not elected to engage in political combat with the Executive, stressing that they are expected to collaborate with the Executive on policies that advance national development.
Akpabio, featuring in the forthcoming State House documentary marking the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, highlighted the achievements of the 10th National Assembly.
On the synergy, he said the 10th National Assembly is committed to working in a bi-partisan and constructive manner to improve the lives of Nigerians.
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 bi-partisan manner for the interest of Nigeria.”
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Akpabio as saying that the cordial Executive/ Legislature is not a sign of weakness, but a deliberate alignment based on a shared national vision.
He queried: “If all your energy is spent fighting the Executive, who then works for the people?”
Akpabio alluded to the uniqueness of the current administration, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima once served in the Senate.
He said their status as former lawmakers has fostered mutual understanding and facilitated smoother legislative-executive engagement.
The Senate President said the National Assembly is working on a bill that would mandate the ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronise Made-In-Nigeria vehicles before considering imported vehicles.
He lamented that Nigeria is loosing huge money annually through the importation of vehicles and other goods that could be produced locally.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
