Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has expressed concerns that the National Assembly is failing to effectively hold the administration of President Bola Tinubu accountable due to “state capture.” Abaribe, who represents Abia South senatorial district, made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
The senator was responding to questions about why lawmakers who approve key government policies, budgets, and nominations often criticize the same administration later on. Abaribe clarified that approval of executive requests by the National Assembly does not necessarily mean that all lawmakers agree with such decisions. He argued that the broader issue is the phenomenon of “state capture,” where the legislature and other arms of government have become subservient to the executive.
Abaribe cited examples of decisions made by the administration without proper oversight, such as the purchase of a new plane, which he claimed was not brought before the National Assembly. He also questioned the lack of competitive bidding for a signature project of the administration, which is being handled by the Minister of Works.
The senator emphasized that despite the prevailing situation, some lawmakers continue to oppose policies and actions they believe are wrong. He stated that the problem of state capture is a significant issue, where all arms of government are subservient to the executive, and that this undermines the ability of the National Assembly to effectively hold the administration accountable.
Abaribe’s comments highlight the challenges faced by the National Assembly in exercising its oversight function, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government decision-making. The issue of state capture is a concern that has been raised by various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and opposition parties, who argue that it undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law. As the National Assembly continues to navigate its relationship with the executive, Abaribe’s comments underscore the importance of ensuring that the legislature is able to perform its constitutional role effectively.
