Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed why the National Assembly cannot engage in actions that could undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking at a Public Lecture and Book Launch in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Akpabio credited Tinubu’s strategic relationship with the legislature as a key factor. The event was held to celebrate the birthday of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Akpabio noted that Tinubu has effectively consolidated influence over both chambers of the National Assembly, highlighting the recent conferment of the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on federal lawmakers. He described the move as a strategic gesture that has “muscled” the legislative body into alignment with the president’s agenda.
“Recently, he conferred on us GCON, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger—whether he loved it or not, he did it. He muscled the two Chambers together,” Akpabio stated.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor, Akpabio emphasized the critical role of legislative bodies in governance, describing them as a potential source of challenge for any executive leader. He shared insights into how he managed his relationship with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during his tenure as governor, underscoring the importance of maintaining a close rapport with legislative leaders.
“For those who may not understand politics, we were taught that the parliament can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman,” Akpabio quipped. “As a governor, my greatest fear was my House of Assembly. I never traveled without my Speaker. If I didn’t see him for a day, I would send someone to invite him to lunch to gauge whether he was happy with me.”
Akpabio advised that any president seeking to sustain power and stability, like Tinubu, must adopt a similar approach. “Any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must hold the Speaker and the Senate President very closely, the way Tinubu is holding us,” he said.
The Senate President also reiterated the influence wielded by legislative assemblies, asserting that they can significantly impact governance, more so than courts or other democratic institutions.
Akpabio’s remarks have sparked discussions on the dynamics of executive-legislative relations in Tinubu’s administration, with many noting the growing alignment between the presidency and the National Assembly.