Tinubu hosts Senate leadership for high-level talks on national affairs

Leadership of the Senate Thursday had an exclusive discussion with the President, Bola Tinubu, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as efforts to foster coordination of important national issues continued between the two arms of government.

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

The senators had an exclusive discussion with President Tinubu who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces over issues affecting governance and development of the country.

Details about the discussion were released by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, through a post on his official X handle shortly after the interaction.

According to Bamidele, the focus of the discussions was on fostering good governance through enhanced coordination 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.