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Nigerians see lawmakers as sell-outs, Akpabio laments at Tinubu’s budget presentation
Akpabio Defends National Assembly–Executive Collaboration After 2026 Budget Presentation
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday firmly defended the National Assembly’s cooperation with the Executive arm of government, dismissing public criticism that labels such collaboration as a legislative sell-out.
Akpabio spoke shortly after President Bola Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint sitting of the National Assembly, describing the moment as critical to Nigeria’s reform journey and national stability.
Collaboration, Not Confrontation
In his welcome address, the former Akwa Ibom State governor acknowledged widespread scepticism among Nigerians who believe the legislature has become overly aligned with the Executive.
However, Akpabio argued that history consistently shows that nations progress when their institutions work together under constitutional boundaries rather than engage in prolonged hostility.
“Many in our country view the patriotic collaborative work between the National Assembly and the Executive arm as a sell-out by the parliament. But history is unambiguous on one enduring lesson: nations advance when the Executive and the Legislature work in concert, and they falter when the two become locked in hostility,” he said.
Lessons From History
Addressing lawmakers, diplomats, and senior government officials, the Senate President warned that executive–legislative rivalry has historically undermined governance across civilizations.
He cited examples ranging from the decline of the Roman Republic to repeated budgetary standoffs in the United States, noting that institutional conflict often carries steep national costs.
“Across history and continents, the pattern remains consistent: when the organs of state treat each other as adversaries, the nation pays the price. But when they act as partners under the Constitution, stability deepens, reforms take root, and progress becomes possible,” Akpabio stated.
2026 Budget as a Statement of Intent
Akpabio described national budgets as reflections of a country’s values and priorities, urging Nigerians to see the 2026 Appropriation Bill as more than just figures on paper.
“Budgets tell a story. Show me a nation’s budget, and I will tell you its priorities, its fears, and its hopes,” he said.
According to him, the 2026 budget should be viewed as a roadmap for Nigeria’s next phase of renewal, shaped by difficult but necessary choices.
Acknowledging National Challenges
Placing the budget within Nigeria’s current realities, the Senate President acknowledged the pressures facing households and businesses, rising living costs, youth anxiety, and persistent insecurity across parts of the country.
“Families have felt the strain of rising costs. Businesses have adjusted to a changing economic environment. Insecurity has tested our collective resolve and reminded us that peace is not a gift we inherit, but a responsibility we must constantly defend,” he added.
Optimism Amid Reforms
Despite the challenges, Akpabio struck an optimistic tone, insisting that Nigeria’s history is defined by resilience rather than retreat.
He defended the reform trajectory of the Tinubu administration, particularly the 2025 budget, which he said required political courage to address long-standing structural weaknesses in the economy.
According to him, early results of the reforms are already visible.
“Government revenues are improving. Public finance is being managed with greater discipline and transparency… Nigeria is regaining confidence—within its borders and in the eyes of the international community,” he said.
Role of the 10th Senate
Akpabio highlighted the achievements of the 10th Senate, noting that it recorded one of the highest legislative outputs in Nigeria’s history within the past year.
He listed bills passed across key sectors, including:
- Security and national stability
- Economic reforms
- Governance and judicial administration
- Electoral processes
- Infrastructure development
- Social protection
However, he cautioned that legislative success must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ living conditions, especially in tackling insecurity and unemployment.
Unity of Purpose
In closing, Akpabio used the metaphor of the baobab tree to illustrate the long-term nature of reform and budgeting, urging unity of purpose between the arms of government for sustainable national growth.
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