Mathew Amaechi
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has pushed back against claims that the 10th National Assembly is merely a “rubber stamp” for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that lawmakers were not elected to oppose the executive for its own sake.
Speaking during a live interview, the former Edo State governor and current senator representing Edo North said it was misguided to expect the legislature to adopt a combative stance toward the presidency to prove its independence.
“There’s a perception that the National Assembly is a rubber stamp? So if we start boxing the presidency just to prove independence, then we become a bunch of rascals,” Oshiomhole said.
He challenged critics to name any law or policy the Assembly had endorsed that was detrimental to Nigerians. “Tell me, which law have we rubber-stamped that is harmful to Nigerians? Just name one that passed without robust debate,” he said.
Oshiomhole emphasized that disagreement for its own sake does not equate to effective governance. He explained that lawmakers assess each proposal on merit rather than engaging in performative opposition.
“The notion that we must constantly oppose the executive to be seen as effective is flawed,” he said. “We deliberate, we debate, and we make decisions based on merit, not on the optics of opposition.”
He also cited legislative efforts in holding power distribution companies (DISCOs) accountable for alleged exploitation of consumers, among other issues the Assembly has tackled, as evidence of meaningful oversight.
The senator’s remarks come amid increasing criticism from segments of the public and civil society who accuse the 10th National Assembly of failing to assert its independence in the face of executive dominance.
Oshiomhole, however, maintained that the Assembly is fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities without resorting to unnecessary antagonism. “We were not elected to go and box,” he quipped.
The interview has reignited discussions about the balance of power between Nigeria’s legislative and executive arms, particularly at a time when citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability in governance.
