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By DocuNews Central – October 8, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed the reasons behind his decision to withhold assent to two major bills passed by the Nigerian Senate, sparking national discussions on executive-legislative relations and the future of lawmaking in the country.
The President made his position known through an official communication sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, explaining that the bills, though well-intentioned, conflicted with certain constitutional provisions and ongoing reforms being implemented by his administration.
The Two Bills Tinubu Refused to Sign
According to credible sources including The Nation, Daily Trust, and Channels Television, the two bills forwarded to the President for approval were:
- The Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2024
- The Nigerian Police Pension Board Bill, 2024
Both bills were passed by the Senate after extensive deliberations and were expected to enhance efficiency in their respective institutions. However, President Tinubu’s letter indicated that his decision was based on the need to avoid duplication of responsibilities and maintain fiscal discipline within government agencies.
Why Tinubu Withheld His Assent
In his official correspondence, President Tinubu noted that while the objectives of the bills were commendable, their implementation could lead to overlapping functions, increased financial burden, and conflicts of authority among federal institutions.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s current economic realities demand a more streamlined governance structure, where government agencies complement rather than compete with each other.
“We must ensure that every reform strengthens our institutions rather than creating new layers of bureaucracy,”
— President Tinubu, as reported by Daily Trust.
According to the President, the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill would have altered existing administrative structures under the Federal Fire Service Act, while the Police Pension Board Bill risked creating administrative inconsistencies with the Pension Reform Act, which places police pensions under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
Senate Reacts to the President’s Decision
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the President’s communication and promised that the upper chamber would carefully review the concerns raised.
In a calm and diplomatic tone, Akpabio stated that the Senate remains committed to collaboration with the executive for national development.
“We understand the President’s position. The Senate will look into the matter to ensure that our legislative efforts align with existing constitutional and fiscal realities,”
— Akpabio said during plenary on Tuesday.
This statement helped ease initial speculation that Tinubu’s refusal might create friction between the two arms of government.
Mixed Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
Following the announcement, Nigerians from various sectors expressed mixed reactions.
Some lawmakers supported the President’s stance, describing it as a move to promote efficiency and reduce wasteful spending. Others, however, argued that the bills were designed to improve service delivery and that the President should have signed them with recommendations for future amendment.
Political analysts from Channels Television and The Guardian opined that the refusal might reflect the administration’s cautious approach to policy expansion, especially amid ongoing economic reforms and subsidy realignments.
The Broader Implications of Tinubu’s Decision
Observers believe this development underscores President Tinubu’s focus on fiscal prudence and institutional streamlining. Since assuming office in 2023, his administration has pursued major reforms in taxation, civil service management, and economic diversification.
Analysts suggest that the rejection of the bills could serve as a precedent for closer scrutiny of legislative proposals before they reach the President’s desk.
It may also encourage better inter-agency consultations, ensuring that future bills complement existing laws and avoid unnecessary overlaps.
Executive-Legislative Relations Under Tinubu
Historically, tensions between Nigeria’s Executive and Legislative branches have often revolved around budget approvals, policy implementations, and law reforms.
However, under Tinubu’s leadership, there appears to be a deliberate effort to maintain a collaborative tone while still asserting executive independence.
Political observers from Premium Times note that the current administration’s relationship with the 10th National Assembly has so far been cordial. Yet, this recent development may test the limits of that cooperation.
Nevertheless, analysts argue that the refusal to sign the two bills does not necessarily signal conflict but rather reflects a mature democratic process where checks and balances are functioning as intended.
Experts Call for Legislative Alignment
Constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN), in a statement reported by The Guardian, called on lawmakers to ensure that every bill presented to the President aligns with constitutional provisions and does not conflict with existing laws.
“The President has the constitutional right to withhold assent when a bill appears inconsistent with the supreme law of the land or fiscal realities. However, it’s important that both arms of government continue to consult to prevent such situations,”
— Ozekhome advised.
Similarly, policy experts emphasized the need for legislative committees to involve executive agencies early in the bill drafting process to prevent post-passage disagreements.
Public Perception and Media Commentary
The news has generated significant conversation across social media platforms. Many Nigerians commended Tinubu for his pragmatic decision, arguing that the country needs fewer agencies with clearer mandates.
Some citizens, however, questioned whether the President’s decision could delay necessary reforms in critical sectors like firefighting and police welfare.
Commentaries from Vanguard, Daily Post, and Channels TV noted that the decision demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to responsible governance rather than populist approval.
Looking Ahead
The Senate is expected to revisit the two bills in upcoming sessions to address the President’s observations.
According to National Assembly procedure, lawmakers may choose to either amend the bills in line with Tinubu’s recommendations or override the veto with a two-thirds majority — though such a move is rare and politically sensitive.
As both the executive and legislature work toward a resolution, citizens are keenly observing how this episode will shape future legislative interactions and governance outcomes.
Final Thoughts
President Tinubu’s refusal to sign the two Senate bills sends a clear message about his administration’s policy direction — one that prioritizes efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional integrity over political expediency.
By choosing to return the bills instead of signing them hastily, the President reinforces a culture of accountability and due process in governance.
For a country striving to rebuild its economy and strengthen public institutions, such decisions — though controversial — may ultimately enhance Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
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