By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
The 15th Senate President of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio, has found himself at the centre of controversy as his opponents accuse him of employing various tactics to quell the uproar over his potential impeachment.
In the Nigerian political landscape, the Senate President holds a position of power and influence. However, recent events surrounding Senator Godswill Akpabio have raised concerns about his leadership and the manner in which he handles the affairs of the Senate.
In this article, we will look into the details of the allegations made against Akpabio and explore the implications of his actions. From manipulating court rulings to passing bills without proper consultation, Akpabio’s methods have raised concerns among his fellow senators. This article aims to shed light on the situation and provide an in-depth analysis of the events surrounding Akpabio’s tenure as Senate President.
While this article is not meant to smear the Senate President, it is crucial to understand the context in which allegations of Akpabio’s opposition-elimination tactics unfolded. Senator Akpabio assumed the position of Senate President with the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, his tenure has been marred by allegations of subjugating his colleagues under the executive and eroding the independence and integrity of the legislature. This has led to discontent among several senators and a simmering plot to impeach him.
The controversies surrounding Akpabio’s tenure as Senate President have not gone unnoticed by the Nigerian public. Many citizens express concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the potential for abuse of power. They emphasize the importance of a strong, transparent, independent legislature that upholds the interests of the people and provides effective checks and balances on the executive branch.
The last incident of sharing money to bank accounts, or rather in quotes, “prayers to emails” of fellow senators to enable them to enjoy their holidays while the rest of Nigerians were wallowing in stiff hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal by Tinubu, really relegated the integrity of the Senate President and his associates.
During one of the Senate’s plenaries in August 2023, Akpabio said, “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”
Realising that his words were on live broadcast, Akpabio said, “I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the senate president has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
Reacting to the video of the incident, Nigerians lamented how the leaders asked the masses to make sacrifices while they carried on with extravagance.
The main bone of contention:
A significant number of senators across party lines have expressed their dissatisfaction with Akpabio’s leadership style. They believe that he prioritizes pleasing the executive over the interests of the Senate and the Nigerian people. Some senators accuse him of disregarding the Standing Rules of the Senate, stifling vibrant debates, and failing to thoroughly scrutinize executive communications and bills.
One of the key incidents that ignited the ongoing controversy surrounding Akpabio was the court ruling that removed Senator Elisha Abbo from office. The Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified Abbo’s election victory, and he subsequently accused Akpabio of being involved in the ruling. The ruling raised suspicions about Akpabio’s influence and his alleged inclination to eliminate opposition within the Senate.
Another allegation levelled against Akpabio is his tendency to pass bills without sufficient input from other senators. Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South Senatorial District voiced his concerns, stating that important bills were being rushed through without proper deliberation. This practice undermines the democratic process and prevents senators from fully exercising their constitutional duties.
Several other senators even among APC party lines have joined the uproar for Akpabio’s impeachment, criticizing him for his leadership style, which they claim lacks transparency and fairness. They argue that Akpabio places the interests of the executive branch above those of the Senate, compromising the integrity and independence of the legislative body. His alleged disregard for the Senate’s standing rules and failure to facilitate vibrant debates during plenary further exacerbate these concerns.
As one of his tactics to quell the plot for his impeachment, Akpabio has allegedly resorted to targeting senators who oppose him. Sacked Senator Elisha Abbo, in a shocking revelation, accused Akpabio of being responsible for his removal from office. This has created a climate of fear among senators, as they worry about facing similar consequences if they openly oppose the Senate President.
Akpabio has also allegedly adopted the use of delaying tactics during plenary sessions. Senators have noted that he often starts plenaries late and extends the time of sitting, which can be tiresome and frustrating for those present. By manipulating the order paper and keeping important communications from the President until the end of the plenary, he limits the opportunity for senators to thoroughly interrogate and scrutinize bills.
In response to Akpabio’s controversial actions, some senators have threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against him. They argue that his leadership style and alleged manipulation of the legislative process warrant his removal from the position of Senate President. These threats have created a tense and uncertain atmosphere within the Senate, as senators weigh the potential consequences of such a drastic move.
Akpabio has defended his actions, stating that the bills passed under his leadership are in the best interest of the country. He maintains that history will judge him based on the positive impact these bills will have on Nigeria. However, his opponents argue that rushing bills through without proper scrutiny can lead to detrimental consequences and undermine the democratic process.
To address the ongoing controversies, it is crucial for the Senate to uphold its constitutional role and ensure transparency and accountability. Senators must work together to safeguard the integrity of the legislative process and maintain a system of checks and balances. This will require open dialogue, collaboration, and adherence to established rules and procedures.
The allegations against Senate President Akpabio raise significant concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. It is imperative for the Senate to address these concerns and take appropriate action to restore public trust and confidence in the legislative process. By upholding the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability, the Senate can foster a democratic environment that serves the best interests of the Nigerian people.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
