Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, has revealed reason why the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio is failing to effectively scrutinise the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Abaribe made the remarks on Monday while responding to questions in an interview on National TV.
He was asked why lawmakers who approved major government policies, budgets and nominations later turn around to criticise the same administration.
In his response, the senator explained that the approval of executive requests by the National Assembly does not mean that all lawmakers agree with those decisions.
According to him, the bigger issue is “state capture,” a situation where the legislature and other arms of government have become subservient to the executive.
Abaribe stressed that despite the prevailing circumstances, some lawmakers continue to oppose policies and actions they consider wrong.
“I am a senator of the Federal Republic representing my constituency. If a document is brought before me and I disagree with it, while some of my colleagues agree, what do you expect me to do? The final decision becomes that of the National Assembly, but it does not mean that I agree,” he said.
He cited the reported purchase of a new presidential aircraft, claiming it was never brought before the National Assembly for approval.
Abaribe also questioned the handling of a major infrastructure project by the Ministry of Works, asking whether due process, competitive bidding or an expression of interest was conducted before the project commenced.
“The point is simple: we must face the reality that there is state capture.
“State capture is when all arms of government become subservient to the executive, and that is exactly where we are.
“However, it does not mean that some of us are not speaking up to say this is wrong,” he said.