Executive, legislature feud embarrassing, says Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday deplored the frosty relationship which existed between the 7th National Assembly and the executive arm of government, describing it as an “an embarrassment to the nation.”

Aminu Tambuwal

He blamed the sour relationship on the failure of the executive to recognise the independence of the legislature as a separate arm of government, with the powers to exercise checks on the other arms.

The Speaker expressed his views in an address he delivered to his colleagues at the valedictory session of the House, held in Abuja.

Tambuwal noted that the unhealthy relationship between the executive and the legislature had led to a situation whereby the ruling Peoples Democratic Party could not effectively relate with the National Assembly.

The speaker advised the incoming All Progressives Congress majority government to steer clear of the path that created problems for the PDP.

It was a session laden with emotions, as Tambuwal, who is now the Governor-elect for Sokoto State, bid his colleagues farewell.

He said, “I must say that the frosty relationship between the Executive and Seventh House was an unnecessary distraction and a source of embarrassment to the nation.

“It is unwarranted that a ruling party with clear majority boxed itself into that situation.

“If the executive fails to recognise the independence of the legislature and expects that it is a rubber stamp, then frosty relation is bound to follow.

“I would strongly urge the incoming executive arm and indeed the ruling APC to avert this unwholesome situation.”

Tambuwal challenged the incoming 8th Assembly to continue to sustain the independence of the legislature and to remain resolute in the fight against waste of public resources.

He cited the delayed signing of the Fourth Amendment to the 1999 Constitution as an example of how public funds could be wasted owing to failure to implement resolutions of the legislature.

“Today, we are faced with the potential of incalculable waste of public resources through the conspiracy of the Constitutional amendment impasse.

“This document is a product of the highest and most intimate consultations with Nigerians, indeed it is the bill of the Nigerian people.”

Executive, legislature feud embarrassing, says Tambuwal