Senator Adams Oshiomhole has firmly rejected claims that the 10th National Assembly is a “rubber stamp” for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that lawmakers were elected to legislate — not to engage in political combat.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North described the criticism as both unfair and misguided.
“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. Is that what we were elected for — to go and box?” Oshiomhole asked pointedly.
He challenged critics to point out any legislation passed by the Assembly that has harmed national interests, emphasizing that debates within the chambers are often thorough and driven by merit.
“Tell me, which law have we rubber-stamped that is harmful to Nigerians? Just name one that passed without robust debate,” he said.
The senator further cited the Assembly’s interventions on key national issues, including his personal efforts in raising concerns about alleged extortion by power distribution companies (DISCOs). He insisted that legislative effectiveness should not be judged by public spats with the executive.
“The notion that we must constantly oppose the executive to be seen as effective is flawed. We deliberate, we debate, and we make decisions based on merit, not on the optics of opposition,” he added.
Oshiomhole’s comments come amid increasing public scrutiny of the Assembly’s perceived alignment with the presidency. The debate over legislative independence and the balance of power in Nigeria’s democracy continues to gain traction, particularly as the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
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