The senators opposed to the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio have reportedly swelled in recent weeks, with many now pushing for his impeachment.
The opposition stems from Akpabio’s alleged unilateral appointment of the Senate minority leader and minority whip, which has been seen as a power grab.
The appointment of Senators Abba Moro and Osita Ngwu to these positions was met with widespread criticism from opposition senators, who accused Akpabio of bypassing the proper procedures. The announcement prompted a heated exchange on the Senate floor, with Labour Party Senator Tony Nwoye declaring that the opposition senators were not Akpabio’s slaves.
“What happened in this case is that the Senate president chose the leadership of the opposition parties, due to the fear of an uprising in the chamber. The belief is that with firm control of the ruling party caucus and the opposition leadership, nobody would be able to unseat the Senate president,” a source said.
Sources close to the situation say that the number of senators opposed to Akpabio has grown significantly since the altercation. A signature drive is underway to gather support for his impeachment, with some sources alleging that up to $2,000 may have been offered to each senator who signs on.
Akpabio’s appointment of the minority leaders has also divided the opposition lawmakers and is said to be tearing down the unity that existed among lawmakers from the South-East. Some senators have expressed concern that Akpabio’s reliance on signatures rather than a joint decision of the opposition parties and the senators is setting a dangerous precedent.
A source said, “The emergence of Ngwu has only thrown up the undue rivalry we used to witness among South-East senators especially what gave the South-East a bad name in the 4th and 5th Senate, when the position of Senate president went round the five states.
“The position of minority whip was meant for the Labour Party and the party has seven members in the Senate. Why throw open the slot when all that was needed was for the seven Senators of LP to decide among themselves and submit a name?” Sources further added that the decision to rely on the signatures of senators rather than a joint decision of the opposition parties and the senators was setting a dangerous precedent which may do the Senate more harm.
“Now that the reliance is on signatures, we understand that those opposed to the Senate president are also embarking on the signature drive,” another source stated.
A source further said: “The four positions including majority leader, the deputy, majority whip and the deputy as well as the posts of minority leader, minority whip and their deputies are positions of the political parties. The tradition is that the political party(ies) involved would write to the Senate president through its caucus in the chamber, nominating those who will occupy the slots.
By relying on the signatures of Senators to determine the candidates for the positions, the Senate is redrafting the rules and convention.”
Despite the growing opposition, Akpabio is said to be confident in his leadership. He is relying on the ranking senators to stabilise the chamber under his control and is also benefiting from the North/South divide in the appointment of Senate president.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, endorsed a Senate president from the North. Similarly, under Bola Tinubu, a southerner, the position was zoned to the South.
However, sources close to the lawmakers say that Akpabio’s future could depend on his ability to manage the growing opposition. If his “sins” continue to grow, the lawmakers may jettison the zoning arrangement and opt for a lawmaker from any zone who they believe can protect their interests.
