The deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin, says members of the National Assembly are not a rubber stamp to the executive arm of government.
He insisted that the existing cooperation was a deliberate effort to ensure good governance and attributed the cordial relationship between the executive and legislature to President Bola Tinubu’s experience as a former governor and senator.
According to him, this has enhanced mutual understanding between both arms of government.
Mr Jibrin said that President Tinubu’s familiarity with legislative processes had fostered effective communication and consultation.
“This healthy collaboration has been misconstrued by some as the legislature being a rubber stamp of the executive.
“But when cooperation can deliver results for the nation, why resort to unnecessary conflict?” Mr Jibrin said on Wednesday in Ilorin while delivering the 15th convocation lecture of Al-Hikmah University.
He explained that proposed bills are often discussed with lawmakers before formal presentation, allowing for corrections and speedy passage.
Mr Jibrin recalled that tensions between both arms of government were more pronounced at the onset of the fourth republic, largely due to the lingering effects of prolonged military rule.
He said that past presidents often exercised authority more directly, unlike the consultative approach of the current administration. Mr Jibrin further said that sustained democracy required wisdom, restraint, and adherence to constitutional principles.
He said that Nigeria’s democratic longevity must be matched with deeper democratic practices.
(NAN)
