Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the continued support of the National Assembly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
Akpabio made the commitment on Friday when he led a delegation of federal lawmakers to visit President Tinubu in Lagos as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The Senate President said the National Assembly would remain a “worthy partner” to the Tinubu administration, stressing that lawmakers believed the government’s reform programme was aimed at improving the fortunes of the country.
“On the part of the National Assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we believe that what we are doing is in the interest of all Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the legislature would continue to contribute to the implementation of policies it considered beneficial to Nigerians.
“And so we will continue to do that. That’s our own contribution. We are elected for that and we partner with an administration which we believe is focused and which is determined to change the fortunes of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He noted that translating policy intentions into tangible results was difficult, but said the administration was matching its commitments with actions.
“Don’t forget, it’s easy to say with the mouth, but difficult to do. But in our own case, we are matching words with action. And so the government is going forward,” he said.
The Senate President’s remarks come against the backdrop of the constitutional role of the National Assembly as a separate arm of government with powers to legislate and exercise oversight over the executive.
Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution vests legislative powers in the National Assembly, while Sections 88 and 89 empower the Senate and House of Representatives to investigate the conduct of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the administration of laws and public funds.
Akpabio nevertheless said the National Assembly would continue to deepen its engagement with the executive while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
