Oshiomhole: Akpabio’s Senate has become a rubber-stamp institution

Nigerian Senator and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has lashed out at the Senate leadership under Godswill Akpabio, accusing them of turning the upper chamber into a “rubber-stamp” institution for the presidency.

Oshiomhole’s outburst came during a plenary session on Tuesday where senators considered several concurrence bills transmitted from the House of Representatives.

Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure with the speed and manner of the bill passage, arguing that it stripped the Senate of its legislative integrity.

“We’re not meant to rubber-stamp,” he declared. “If this is how we’re going to continue, then we don’t need a bicameral legislature.”

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He questioned the merit of certain bills, particularly the proposal to establish the Chartered Institute of Training and Development of Nigeria.

Oshiomhole’s comments drew murmurs across the chamber, with some senators nodding in agreement.

His remarks echoed a growing perception among Nigerians that the Senate has largely abdicated its role as an independent arm of government, often endorsing executive proposals with minimal debate.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin acknowledged Oshiomhole’s concerns, directing that senators receive bills at least two days before debate.

“We must also put our eyes on whatever goes on,” Jibrin said.

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Oshiomhole’s intervention has sparked debate about the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

The exchange highlights a growing erosion of institutional independence within Nigeria’s democracy, where legislative oversight is increasingly compromised by loyalty to the executive.