“We Were Not Given Boxing Gloves to Fight the President” – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized that Nigerian lawmakers were not elected to battle the executive arm of government but to collaborate in advancing national development. Speaking in an upcoming feature documentary marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio rejected the idea of legislative antagonism toward the presidency.

“When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves,” he said. “It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria.”

He highlighted the close working relationship between the National Assembly and the presidency, attributing it to a shared vision for economic and social progress. “If you spend all your energy fighting the executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked.

Akpabio noted that this is the first time in Nigeria’s history that the president, vice-president, and first lady are all former senators, fostering mutual understanding between branches of government. He said lawmakers are supporting policies aimed at strengthening the economy, particularly by promoting local production and job creation.

He pointed to legislative efforts such as a bill mandating the purchase of locally made vehicles before imports. “We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally,” he said, calling for a revival of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, once powered by industries like textiles, groundnuts, and palm oil. Akpabio cited countries like Malaysia as examples of successful economic transformation through palm oil production.

He praised the “Nigeria First” policy of the Tinubu administration and pledged full legislative backing. “We are going to make laws and produce bills that ensure almost every item we consume that can be produced in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria,” he said. “Taking Nigeria First means bringing industries back to the country to serve our population of over 200 million.”

Encouraging support for local entrepreneurs, Akpabio stressed that small businesses could thrive in Nigeria’s large market. “Even if you produce vinegar and bag it well, it will fly. If you produce bread, you will be a millionaire considering the kind of population that we have,” he added.

On the issue of checks and balances, Akpabio dismissed claims that the legislature is merely a rubber stamp for the executive. “People forget that we have made enemies by rejecting some of the nominees that the president sent to us,” he said. “It’s not everything the president brings that he takes back the same way.”

He explained that the National Assembly’s role is to refine and improve executive proposals in the best interest of Nigerians. “Our job is to make sure we cross the T’s and dot the I’s to assist the president in having the best for the Nigerian population,” he said. “This government is not a government of theory; it’s a government of action.”

Akpabio assured that more pro-people laws are in the pipeline—legislation designed to reduce hardship, stimulate the economy, and empower youth. “We don’t waste time on anything that will enhance the living standard of Nigerians,” he said.