The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, Ireti Kingibe, has warned that the National Assembly is functioning as a mere rubber stamp for the executive branch.
Senator Kingibe’s Accusation
She stated that the legislature has turned into a “cooperating arm” of the executive rather than an independent body tasked with oversight and accountability. “I don’t believe the Senate is fulfilling its constitutional duty to check executive power,” she said, noting that most executive actions proceed only because lawmakers allow them.
“Unfortunately, we are a cooperating arm of the Executive,” Kingibe added.
Call for Government Action Ahead of 2027
Speaking on the rising political tensions before the 2027 general elections, the senator argued that public frustration stems from economic hardship, not from opposition activity. She urged the government to concentrate on solving citizens’ problems instead of trying to limit political competition.
“They are not looking at the real issue. The problem is not the opposition parties; it is the people themselves, who are facing serious difficulties. Even if opposition candidates are absent from the ballot, the populace will still create unrest because they desire an alternative,” she explained.
Kingibe concluded that the government’s energy would be better spent addressing the underlying issues and finding solutions, rather than attempting to prevent anyone from running in the race.
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