Senator Imasuen Speaks on Rising Criticism of Legislature, Executive Relationship
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Senator Neda Imansuen, representing Edo South in the National Assembly has bared his mind on several national issues, including the rising criticism of the cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive.
Sen. Imasuen who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, said, a healthy relationship between the parliament and the executive should not be mistaken for weakness on the part of the legislature, rather the healthy relationship between the two organs of government is geared towards good governance.
Sen. Imasuen made this known on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in a chat with selected journalists at his National Assembly office in Abuja, while insisting that cooperation between the arms of government should not be mistaken for subservience.
According to him, “If a good bill comes, I will support it regardless of where it comes from — executive or member. If that’s what people call rubber stamping, then so be it,” he said.
On the gale of defections the country is currently witnessing and fears of a one-party state, Imasuen downplayed the alarms, describing party-switching as a constitutional right protected under the freedom of association.
“Defection is not a crime.” He said, “PDP once ruled Nigeria with dominance and it wasn’t called a one-party state then. Now that APC is gaining ground due to the collapse of opposition structures, it shouldn’t be seen differently,” he noted
He dismissed suggestions that the growing dominance of the ruling party could threaten democracy, instead urging national unity amid current security and economic challenges.
On the controversial surge in bills proposing new universities and institutions despite Nigeria’s battered economy, the senator acknowledged the financial strain but emphasized that lawmakers still have the right to propose such legislation.
“The issue is not about proposing a bill, it’s about funding. If the budget can’t carry it, then it won’t be implemented,” he explained.
Addressing the upcoming National Security Summit, Imasuen expressed optimism, stating that unlike past administrations, President Tinubu was likely to act on the summit’s resolutions.
“The 8th and 9th Senates did this too, but their recommendations gathered dust. This time, I believe President Tinubu will take security seriously,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of the 10th Senate, Senator Imasuen admitted it has been a rocky start, largely due to the economic mess inherited by the current government.
“The last administration stood akimbo and did nothing. This administration has taken bold, sometimes painful decisions,” he said, praising Tinubu’s courage in tackling issues like VAT reform and the need for a national population audit.
He said, national development requires collective effort while praising the Tinubu administration’s political will in confronting the hard truths.
“We’re on a tough but necessary road. If we stay the course, we’ll see progress,” he said.