Akpabio Defends N’Assembly, Calls for June 12 Democracy Museum

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday urged members of the National Assembly to disregard those who label the legislature as a “rubber stamp” body, insisting such critics misunderstand the role of lawmakers.

Akpabio made the remark during a joint session at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, convened to welcome President Bola Tinubu in commemoration of Democracy Day.

Praising President Tinubu’s leadership and accomplishments over the past two years, Akpabio used the occasion to dismiss public skepticism about the independence of the legislature.

“We must ignore those who refer to us as rubber stamp lawmakers. They simply do not understand why we are here,” Akpabio said.

In a separate call to action, he encouraged the President to consider establishing a June 12 Democracy Museum to honour Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes—many of whom sacrificed their lives for the country’s democratic journey.

The Senate President’s comments come amid a rising national conversation on governance, legislative independence, and the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic legacy.