Rufai Oseni Speaks on Akpabio’s Decision to Reject Acting President Role

Arise Television Morning Show anchor Rufai Oseni has linked Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s rejection of the acting-president title to wider questions about the independence of Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Oseni made the comments on Monday during a discussion about President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria. Vice President Kashim Shettima was also outside the country.

The presenter said some political figures associated with Akpabio had begun describing him as acting president. According to Oseni, the Senate president therefore had to clarify that he was not occupying that position.

Oseni said the episode demonstrated the political sensitivity surrounding presidential succession and the limits of the Senate president’s constitutional position.

He subsequently questioned whether the National Assembly could effectively act as a check on the executive, particularly given its previous response to the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

The broadcaster recalled that the emergency declaration came amid a political dispute in the state and was later endorsed by the National Assembly through voice votes.

Oseni argued that the episode should be considered when assessing the legislature’s capacity to challenge presidential decisions.

He also questioned whether Akpabio could lead the National Assembly in taking a confrontational position against the executive while serving as the head of the Senate.

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According to Oseni, Nigeria’s constitutional system is based on the separation of powers, with the legislature expected to operate as a co-equal arm alongside the executive and judiciary.

He argued that effective checks and balances require each arm of government to exercise its constitutional responsibilities independently.

The discussion comes amid renewed public interest in presidential succession arrangements whenever both the President and Vice President are unavailable.

Akpabio’s clarification that he was not acting president has therefore become part of a broader debate about constitutional authority, legislative independence and the balance of power among Nigeria’s institutions.

Oseni’s analysis focused on the importance of maintaining clear constitutional boundaries while ensuring that the National Assembly performs its oversight responsibilities.