Senate leadership meets Tinubu over national issues, governance

The leadership of the Senate on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as both arms of government sought to strengthen collaboration on key national issues.

The meeting was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and attended by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso, representing Imo West.

The lawmakers met privately with President Tinubu, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to discuss issues affecting governance and national development.

Details of the meeting were disclosed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in a post on his official X account shortly after the engagement.

According to Bamidele, the discussions focused on strengthening good governance through closer cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

“Our meeting centered on matters of urgent public importance to further strengthen good governance through legislative intervention and collaborative efforts between the executive and the legislature,” he wrote.

Although Bamidele did not reveal the specific issues discussed during the meeting, the engagement comes as the National Assembly continues deliberations on major government proposals, including the establishment of state police.

Neither the Presidency nor the Senate issued an official communiqué after the meeting.

The latest engagement follows an earlier appeal by President Tinubu urging senators to commence the process of amending the Constitution to accommodate the creation of state police as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

Speaking during an earlier meeting with senators at the Presidential Villa, the President said Nigeria’s growing insecurity requires constitutional reforms.

“What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” Tinubu had said.

The President also commended the cordial relationship between his administration and the National Assembly, noting that their cooperation has helped drive key reforms.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” he stated.

Tinubu further expressed appreciation to lawmakers for supporting his administration’s reform agenda.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he added.

In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Tinubu’s leadership and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to working with the executive in advancing national development.

Akpabio maintained that lawmakers were elected to collaborate with the executive in the interest of Nigerians rather than engage in needless confrontation.

“When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria,” he said.

He added that while cooperation between the executive and legislature remains essential for effective governance, the National Assembly will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!