Tinubu: Why Akpabio rejected acting President role – Rufai Oseni

Arise Television Morning Show host Rufai Oseni provided insight into why Senate President Godswill Akpabio rejected the title of acting president during President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima's absence from Nigeria. Oseni's analysis came as he covered Tinubu's extended period away from the country. According to Oseni, Akpabio's refusal to accept the acting presidency demonstrated his unwillingness to assert the powers of the National Assembly as an equal branch of government.

Oseni pointed out that Nigerians should not expect the National Assembly to effectively challenge the President due to its history of supporting state of emergency declarations, such as the one in Rivers State. He questioned whether Akpabio could effectively lead the National Assembly in challenging the executive, noting that the legislature's role was constitutionally designed to operate as a co-equal branch.

Oseni argued that a National Assembly willing to stand up to the President would be a reality check, considering the Montesquieu principles of separation of powers. He pointed out that the same National Assembly that endorsed the state of emergency in Rivers State did so by voice vote, raising questions about the leadership's commitment to the separation of powers.

Oseni noted that Akpabio had to quickly clarify he was not the acting president, as some of his political allies were already referring to him as such when Tinubu and Shettima were away. Oseni suggested that this behavior undermines the National Assembly's ability to effectively lead as an equal branch of government, potentially causing concern among Montesquieu proponents who focused on the separation of powers.