Executive-legislature cooperation does not diminish n’assembly’s independence — Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, says cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government does not diminish the independence of the national assembly.

The 10th national assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has been criticised for being a “rubber stamp” of the executive and failing to sufficiently scrutinise some of the president’s policies and requests.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 national assembly open week, the chief of staff said both arms of government are separate but share a responsibility to improve the lives of Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila

“Constructive cooperation does not diminish legislative independence, nor does robust debate amount to institutional conflict. Our democracy is strengthened when both arms engage with mutual respect, constitutional fidelity and a clear focus on results,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said the performance of the 10th national assembly should be measured by the impact of its legislation, budgets and oversight functions rather than the volume of its activities.

According to the chief of staff, the presidency remains committed to a “productive relationship” with the national assembly to address insecurity and pursue economic renewal, social justice and shared prosperity.

“Nigerians expect their institutions to work together,” he said.

Gbajabiamila advised the national assembly to subject its activities to public examination and ensure that citizens understand how laws are made and how public resources are appropriated.

“An open week must therefore be more than the ceremonial opening of the gates of parliament. It should be an invitation to scrutiny, dialogue and partnership,” he said.