Senator Adams Oshiomhole has retaliated against those who have called the 10th National Assembly a “rubber stamp,” arguing that legislators were not chosen to fight President Bola Tinubu.
The former governor of Edo State and current senator for Edo North rejected the term as unjust and a distortion of the job of lawmakers in a democracy during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Sunday.
“Is it believed that the National Assembly serves as a rubber stamp? Therefore, we turn into a bunch of rascals if we start boxing for the presidency in an attempt to demonstrate our independence.
Oshiomhole questioned sharply, “Is that what we were elected for, to go and box?”
He challenged critics to cite any specific law or policy endorsed by the Assembly that runs counter to the national interest.
“Tell me, which law have we rubber-stamped that is harmful to Nigerians? Just name one that passed without robust debate,” he pressed.
Oshiomhole also emphasized a number of legislative actions, such as his concerns with the purported extortion of Nigerians by electricity distribution firms (DISCOs).
Even while its strategy doesn’t always entail public conflict, he maintained that the legislative body is aggressively carrying out its monitoring and representative responsibilities.
“It is a mistake to think that we have to be in constant opposition to the executive in order to be perceived as effective,” Oshiomhole stated.
“We consider, discuss, and decide on the basis of merit rather than the appearance of opposition.”
The senator’s comments follow increased public scrutiny of the 10th Assembly’s alleged support for the presidency, which has spurred discussions about democratic checks and balances and parliamentary independence.
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