A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, launched a scathing critique against the 10th National Assembly this week. He accused the legislative body of consistently neglecting its constitutional duties and instead prioritizing the political interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This critical assessment confirms the existence of a widespread perception that the NASS rubber-stamp Tinubu‘s every move.
Pearse did not mince words during a recent interview on Arise Television. He asserted that the current legislature has effectively become a compliant instrument of the executive arm of government.
“The National Assembly we have today is a rubber-stamp one, consequently, the president gets whatever he wants,” Pearse stated. “Any president who wants to manipulate the National Assembly can certainly do so. Furthermore, this one is actually manipulating it to the best of his own ability and to the detriment of progress for Nigerians and security for Nigerians.”
Akpabio ‘A Criminal,’ Undermining the NASS Rubber-Stamp Tinubu Narrative
The PDP chieftain also directed pointed criticism at the leadership of the Senate. He particularly emphasized the alleged unsuitability of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for the role. Pearse argued that Akpabio’s presence compromises the integrity of the institution, even as it operates as a NASS rubber-stamp Tinubu’s government.
“Akpabio should not be president of the Senate. He’s a criminal, he shouldn’t be there,” he strongly declared. In addition, Pearse cited Akpabio’s history, noting, “He has cases in the EFCC, involving millions that he allegedly stole when he was governor.” (For details on the legislative mandate, see the [Outbound Link to the Nigerian Constitution on the National Assembly’s Oversight Functions]).
Pearse’s strong accusation echoes similar sentiments previously voiced by civil society organizations and other opposition figures. Critics argue that the assembly’s alleged subservience prevents it from performing its core oversight and accountability roles, thereby eroding the principle of separation of powers.
The PDP stalwart concluded by urging the National Assembly to reclaim its independence and uphold its mandate as a true check on executive power, ultimately demanding that legislators serve the national interest above partisan loyalties. (For context on opposition unity, read our analysis on the [Internal Link to a Previous News Report on Other PDP Internal Crises]).
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