Senate President Godswill Akpabio?s recent performance during the presentation of the 2025 budget by President Bola Tinubu left little to the imagination about the legislature?s independence. His awkward delivery and miscalculated attempts at humour were less about levity and more about a lamentable show of misplaced priorities.

Akpabio?s overly effusive welcome speech bordered on sycophancy, making it painfully clear that the legislature has chosen alignment over autonomy. The refrain of ?On your mandate, we shall stand? during the session was a disheartening chant in a setting meant to symbolise democracy.

The Senate President?s tone and content suggest a complete surrender of the legislature?s oversight function in a system where the separation of powers should thrive. Even when admonishing ministers who disregard the National Assembly, his words lacked the weight of conviction and were reduced instead to hollow platitudes.

Akpabio?s feeble attempt to mask his alignment with the executive is akin to a masquerader dancing in broad daylight?it only entertains those who?ve chosen to ignore the loss of democratic dignity. Proverbs remind us that he who pays the piper calls the tune, and Akpabio seems all too eager to comply.

Even if the legislature is destined to play second fiddle, it should not be this obvious. The Senate, entrusted with being the watchdog of democracy, appears to have rolled over willingly. This embarrassing display sends a message that accountability will remain on holiday for the foreseeable future.

Nigerians deserve lawmakers who act in their interests, not cheerleaders for the executive. By turning the budget presentation into a platform for praise-singing, Akpabio has reminded citizens that even symbolic resistance to executive control has been abandoned.

Independence is not an ornamental concept to be discarded when convenient. Akpabio?s performance reinforces the grim reality that some legislators prefer comfort to courage, betraying their constituents in the process. A captured legislature benefits no one but those who wield the chains. (THISDAY)

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