The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the National Assembly of operating as a rubber stamp for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that lawmakers approve presidential proposals without adequately considering their implications.
Kwankwaso made the allegation while speaking at the inauguration of the NDC campaign council in Jigawa State, which was held in Dutse, the state capital.
He criticised members of the Senate and House of Representatives for allegedly approving policies and bills presented by the President, regardless of public concerns or their possible consequences.
He specifically faulted the National Assembly over the passage of the tax reform bills, alleging that some lawmakers supported the process despite concerns about its implications for ordinary Nigerians.
“The worst part of it is that the session for the approval of the tax bill was chaired by one of us from Kano. Even the Senate President intentionally refused to attend because he did not want to be part of it,” he said.
Kwankwaso further alleged that the Federal Government had delayed the implementation of tax collection because of concerns about losing the forthcoming 2027 general election.
“The bill has been passed into law, but the Federal Government is now afraid of losing the election. That is why it has delayed the collection.
“As soon as they get a second chance, God forbid, Nigerians will suffer from different kinds of tax collection. They will start going from house to house, checking even under your bed to collect taxes,” he added.
The former Kano State governor said both chambers of the National Assembly had abandoned their constitutional responsibility of independently scrutinising government policies and protecting the interests of the people.
“Our National Assembly members have become rubber stamps. They are just there, waiting for the President to present proposals for approval, regardless of public concerns or possible consequences,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the continued borrowing by the Federal Government despite revenues generated through taxation, subsidy removal, and other sources.
Kwankwaso questioned the rationale behind the government's continued borrowing, particularly with only a few months remaining before the 2027 general election.
He urged Nigerians to hold their elected representatives accountable and reject leaders who fail to protect their interests during the forthcoming elections.
“You will give account of why you played a role in voting for a bad leader who does not respect the yearnings and aspirations of the common man,” Kwankwaso warned.
National Assembly has become rubber stamp for Tinubu – Kwankwaso