Akpabio’s Senate Prioritizes Tinubu's Interests, Neglects National Accountability, Says Human Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong
By Wisdom Tide
09/09/2024
Human rights lawyer Barrister Inibehe Effiong has sharply criticized the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing it of prioritizing the interests of President Bola Tinubu over the welfare of the Nigerian people. In a recent post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Effiong expressed deep concerns about the current Senate’s lack of independence and failure to perform its critical oversight functions, describing it as one of the most ineffective legislative bodies in the nation's history.
Effiong’s critique comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, social discontent, and widespread criticism of the government’s handling of key issues such as the economy, security, and governance. According to the lawyer, the Akpabio-led Senate is not fulfilling its constitutional mandate to act as a check on executive power. Instead, it has become what he calls a "rubber stamp" institution, approving every decision made by the executive branch without any meaningful scrutiny.
A Senate That Approves Everything, Investigates Nothing
In his post, Effiong pointedly described the current Senate as an institution that "approves everything and investigates nothing." He lamented the failure of the Senate to hold the executive branch accountable, stating that it had become a body that exists solely to serve the interests of the President.
“This Senate has been reduced to a mere tool of the executive. It has failed in its primary role of providing oversight and ensuring that the government acts in the best interests of the people. Instead, it has rubber-stamped every policy and initiative put forward by President Tinubu, without proper deliberation or inquiry,” Effiong wrote.
The human rights lawyer further highlighted the alarming lack of investigations or debates on critical national issues under the current Senate. From economic policies to security concerns, the Senate has largely remained passive, he argued, allowing the executive to operate unchecked. Effiong also noted that this dereliction of duty by the Senate comes at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges that require urgent attention and robust legislative action.
Criticism of Akwa Ibom Support for Tinubu
Effiong did not spare his fellow Akwa Ibom natives in his critique, addressing those who supported President Tinubu in the last election based on regional or tribal sentiments. He questioned whether their support for Tinubu, largely influenced by the backing of Godswill Akpabio, had yielded any tangible benefits for the people of Akwa Ibom.
"Akwa Ibom people who voted for Tinubu because of Godswill Akpabio, how is this economy treating you? Has your 'son' being in government and holding the office of Senate President made any difference in your lives?" Effiong asked rhetorically.
He suggested that beyond a few individuals who may have benefitted from political appointments or financial rewards due to their association with Akpabio, the broader population has seen little to no improvement in their living conditions. The lawyer criticized this form of political support, warning that decisions based on tribalism and narrow parochial interests are often detrimental in the long run.
“When you let tribal and parochial sentiments dictate your political decisions, you will inevitably suffer for it. The majority of people who voted along these lines are now experiencing the consequences, as the country faces an economic downturn and a government that seems indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens,” Effiong added.
A Senate Asleep While the Nation Burns
Effiong’s most scathing criticism was reserved for what he described as the Senate’s alarming inertia in the face of the country’s worsening crises. He accused the legislative body of remaining “asleep while the nation is burning,” pointing to the many unresolved issues currently facing Nigeria, including economic mismanagement, insecurity, and social unrest.
“There is a clear disconnect between the priorities of the political elite and the needs of the people,” Effiong said, emphasizing that the Senate’s unwillingness to challenge the executive on important matters has allowed these problems to fester.
The lawyer further warned that this lack of action from the Senate would have long-lasting repercussions for the country. "By abdicating its responsibility to hold the government accountable, the Senate is complicit in the failures of the current administration," Effiong asserted.
Tribalism and Political Appointments: A Double-Edged Sword
Effiong’s comments also delve into the broader issue of tribalism in Nigerian politics, a recurring theme in his critique of both the Senate and President Tinubu’s administration. He argued that many people are swayed by ethnic loyalties when voting or supporting political figures, rather than considering the broader national interest.
While a few individuals may benefit from political appointments due to their tribal affiliations, the majority of citizens often do not experience any significant improvement in their quality of life, he said. Effiong urged Nigerians to rise above these narrow considerations and demand better governance from their leaders.
"The influence of individuals like Akpabio may bring temporary rewards for a select few, but the majority will continue to suffer if we do not insist on accountability and good governance," Effiong concluded.
Call for Greater Accountability and Legislative Oversight
Effiong's overall message is a call for greater accountability and a return to the Senate’s constitutional role as an independent and effective branch of government. He argued that the current Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, has failed to provide the necessary checks and balances on the executive branch, and this failure has had negative consequences for the country as a whole.
As Nigeria continues to face significant challenges on multiple fronts, Effiong’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of legislative oversight in a functioning democracy. Without it, he warned, the government can operate without restraint, leaving the people to bear the brunt of poor governance.
Effiong’s criticisms resonate with a growing sentiment among many Nigerians who feel that their leaders are not adequately addressing the country’s pressing problems. As the nation looks ahead, there is an increasing demand for a more responsive and accountable political system—one that prioritizes the interests of the people over those of the political elite
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