The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Hon Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju has dismissed claims that the 10th National Assembly is a rubber stamp for presidency, saying the Legislative arm don’t approve presidential decisions without scrutiny and debate.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Olanrewaju, a former Lawmaker representing Ido/Osi/Moba/Ilejemeje Federal Constituency, argued that the alignment between the National Assembly and the Presidency is a mutual understanding that has been misconstrued by critics.
He cited past tensions between the executive and legislature as periods that yielded limited progress, contrasting them with the current atmosphere of dialogue under President Tinubu, a former senator.
According to him, the President’s legislative background has helped prevent avoidable crises and foster mutual understanding.
He also referenced a recent protest by the House of Representatives over delayed payments to local contractors, noting that engagement with the President led to explanations, solutions and eventual payment.
His words, “I smiled when you asked that question because it is not new. Even when I was in the parliament, we were called rubber stamps and those before us were also called the same.
“Nigerians want a better economy, growth and performance, yet they also want to see the President and the parliament constantly fighting. Show me one country where the executive and legislature fight endlessly and still move forward.
“When President Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki were at loggerheads, what progress did Nigeria record during that period? Fighting between the two arms does not help the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a former senator. His wife was a former senator. The Vice President is a former senator. The Chief of Staff is a former Speaker. These experiences make it easier to manage issues within the parliament before they escalate into crises.
“Recently, the House of Representatives refused to sit for some days over genuine demands concerning payments to local contractors. They met with the President, explanations were given, solutions were found, and payments were made. That is how governance should work”.
