Tensions Boil Over! Akpabio’s Confidence Vote Sparks Senate Turmoil – Ologbodiyan

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, Ologbondiyan pointed out that Akpabio had received nearly four votes of confidence in under two years, suggesting it signals internal tensions within the Senate.

Earlier that day, The PUNCH reported that the Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Akpabio during a plenary session. The motion was initiated by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olarere Oyewumi (Osun West).

The vote occurred just 48 hours after suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke at the Inter-Parliamentary Union in New York, alleging that her suspension stemmed from sexual harassment accusations against Akpabio.

Ologbondiyan argued that votes of confidence are often associated with crises, meant to reassure a presiding officer’s position, implying unrest within the Senate.

“Senate President Godswill Akpabio might be the first to receive nearly four votes of confidence in less than two years. That alone should be concerning for both him and the institution of the Senate,” he stated.

He further explained, “A vote of confidence typically indicates a crisis, signaling that the presiding officer needs reassurance of support. The fact that this has become a recurring event suggests that there is no genuine peace in the Senate. If there is peace, then it is merely a peace of the graveyard.”

On the Senate’s passage of the Tax Reform bills for a second reading, Ologbondiyan acknowledged the effort but stressed the need for thorough scrutiny to ensure fairness.

“If well-processed, it could enhance the electoral system. However, since the bills will go through public hearings, Nigerians must ensure they do not favor any particular group, individuals, or party,” he added.