A group of former governors, who are now serving as members of the Senate, are reportedly at the forefront of a move to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Despite ongoing efforts to reconcile differences within the Senate, lawmakers are actively working to bring about a change in leadership within the Upper Legislative Chambers.

In an interview with Saturday Sun, one of the former governors disclosed that the current discord in the Senate has arisen due to the failure of the leadership to foster unity within the legislative body.

The former governor accused Akpabio of taking actions against lawmakers who did not support him during his bid for office. Furthermore, he asserted that the Senate president disregarded established practices in appointing principal officers, committee chairpersons, and contributions during plenary sessions.

The former governor explained, “Traditionally, political parties determine the appointment of principal officers in the Senate. This is the norm, and Senate President Akpabio is aware of it.”

“Akpabio himself benefited from this arrangement when he assumed the role of Minority Leader, nominated by the Peoples Democratic Party at that time.”

“In 2019, a similar process took place. The APC and the PDP jointly nominated the eight principal officers of the Senate, and they were announced by Ahmad Lawan.”

“However, upon assuming office, Akpabio introduced his own approach. Instead of consulting with various caucuses representing senatorial districts and political party leadership, he held meetings with President Tinubu at the Villa.

The individuals who currently claim to be APC principal officers in the Senate were selected by the Villa and Akpabio’s close advisors.”

“In response, both the APC and the PDP raised objections, but Akpabio chose to disregard them. For instance, within the PDP, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the most senior member in the Senate, was overlooked by Akpabio.”

“Instead, a minister from President Tinubu’s administration was given the authority to determine appointments within the opposition caucus of the Senate. The PDP leadership also registered their protests, but Akpabio chose to ignore them.”