by George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday defended the sustained collaboration between the 10th National Assembly and the Executive arm of government, insisting that the relationship was guided by national interest and constitutional responsibility.
Akpabio spoke at the joint sitting of the National Assembly convened for the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his welcome address, the Senate President noted that some critics had misinterpreted the cooperation between both arms of government as excessive alignment, stressing that such views failed to appreciate the demands of governance and the realities of national development.
He explained that constructive engagement between the legislature and the executive was essential for stability, effective budgeting, and timely delivery of government programmes, particularly at a time when the country faced complex economic and social challenges.
Akpabio maintained that the National Assembly had remained independent in the discharge of its constitutional duties, adding that oversight, scrutiny, and debate had not been sacrificed under the current arrangement.
He said the 10th Assembly was committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promoted economic recovery, improved security, and enhanced the welfare of Nigerians, while also holding the executive accountable where necessary.
The Senate President urged lawmakers to approach the 2026 budget proposal with patriotism and diligence, assuring Nigerians that the legislature would give the appropriation bill the attention it deserved to ensure prudent use of public funds.
President Tinubu subsequently laid the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the joint sitting, marking the formal commencement of the budget consideration process by the National Assembly.
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has consistently advocated a balanced working relationship between arms of government, arguing that cooperation does not negate the principle of separation of powers but strengthens democratic governance.
