"WE CAN'T BE PASSING BILLS LIKE WATER, WE'RE NOT RUBBER STAMP FOR PRESIDENCY." - OSHIOMOLE TACKLES AKPABIO'S SENATE : #RWGBLOG

There was a dramatic moment on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday as Edo North lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole went ballistic, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership of turning the red chamber into a rubber stamp for the presidency.

asked. “When we keep creating laws for every type of training or development, it makes no sense. Laws are not motions; they are serious matters interpreted by the courts. This rush trivializes lawmaking.”

The chamber fell silent. Some senators nodded quietly. Others looked away.

But Oshiomhole’s words hit hard, strengthening
a growing belief that the Akpabio-led Senate has become too submissive to the presidency.

Since the 10th Senate was inaugurated in June 2023, critics have accused it of being too cozy with the executive, passing controversial bills with little resistance.

Akpabio, however, has always denied the “rubber stamp” tag.

“Our relationship with the executive is frank and firm,” he said recently. “It will remain so regardless of the administration’s policies.”

But Oshiomhole’s tirade forced the chamber to take action.

Presiding officer Barau Jibrin admitted that the senator had raised valid points and directed the Rules and Business Committee to change its ways.

“Chairman of Rules and Business, ensure that senators receive these bills at least two days before debate,” he ordered.

Still, he defended the quick process for concurrence bills, saying they’ve already been vetted by the House of Representatives. Yet he conceded: “Senator Oshiomhole is right. Even though concurrence bills have passed through due process in the House, we must also do our own scrutiny.”