President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on federal lawmakers to disregard criticisms labeling the 10th National Assembly as a rubber stamp, insisting that critics lack an understanding of the legislature’s role.
Akpabio made the statement on Thursday during a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. The event also featured an address by President Bola Tinubu.
In his welcome address, Akpabio praised President Tinubu’s leadership and achievements over the past two years, citing key reforms such as the unification of the foreign exchange market, local government autonomy, formation of regional development commissions, and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“We should ignore the critics who tag us rubber stamp. They don’t know why we are here,” he said.
The Senate President urged the federal government to consider establishing a June 12 Museum to preserve the legacy and sacrifices of Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes, many of whom, he noted, paid the ultimate price.
“This chamber honours you, not merely as the President, but as one of the architects of the very democratic foundation we commemorate today,” Akpabio said, addressing Tinubu.
He described June 12 as a symbol of national resilience and the people’s enduring faith in democracy. “We gather not to mourn injustice, but to honour resilience. We observe not the triumph of politicians, but the enduring faith of the Nigerian people in democracy.”
Reflecting on the annulled June 12, 1993, election, Akpabio said Nigeria did not just lose an election but also its innocence. He added that the resistance that followed signified the nation’s determination to defend its democratic ideals.
“So as we mark this day, let us remember those who bled so we could vote; those who took risks so we could speak; those who were buried so that freedom might rise,” he said.
Akpabio said this year’s Democracy Day theme, “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development,” is more than a slogan—it’s a call to action.
“Democracy is not an end but a means to national transformation,” he stated.
