Amid mounting pressure on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, more lawmakers and civil society organizations (CSOs) are rallying for his immediate resignation. They allege Akpabio orchestrated a fake impeachment plot to set senators against President Bola Tinubu.
Critics argue that rather than fostering unity between the executive and the legislative branches, Akpabio seems to have ignited tensions. Numerous former governors from both the northern and southern regions have voiced their concerns over what they perceive as Akpabio’s divisive tactics.
Recently, the Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD), a pro-democracy watchdog, called for Akpabio’s resignation. They claim his current standing among his peers in the legislative chamber has significantly diminished.
Last Saturday, a message shared among northern senators by Elisha Ishaku Abbo indicated that Akpabio loyalists may have spread rumors about a planned impeachment of the Senate president to alienate northern lawmakers from President Tinubu.
Abbo stated in response to these rumors, “I woke up today to mainstream Nigerian newspapers reporting plans by northern senators to impeach Akpabio.” He continued to refute these claims, attributing them to Akpabio’s camp and their intentions to create a rift between President Tinubu and the North.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the allocation of key Senate roles. Critics argue that Akpabio’s administration exhibits favoritism, pointing to the disproportionate allocation of Category A Committees.
In response to claims that a South South governor is pushing for Akpabio’s impeachment, the CPD advised the Senate president to address the concerns of his colleagues head-on, instead of deflecting blame. The group argues that Akpabio’s actions risk further destabilizing the Senate and the nation.
Given the allegations and leadership failures raised by senators, the CPD concludes that Akpabio’s resignation would serve the best interests of the nation at this crucial juncture. They emphasize the need for stability in the National Assembly to effectively address the country’s challenges.
SOURCE: The Sun
