ARTICLE AD
Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti), has attributed the crisis witnessed in the 10th Senate since its inception last June to some aggrieved senators aiming to oust Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.
During a debate on a motion concerning allegations made by Senator Abdul Ningi, the embattled Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Bamidele expressed his views.
Ningi had asserted that a staggering N3.7 trillion was padded in the 2024 budget, sparking uproar among his fellow senators and igniting intense debates.
Bamidele likened Ningi’s actions to a civilian coup, which he believed had failed. He stated, “I thanked members of the Northern Senators Forum who have debunked Ningi’s claim. Over 60 senators voted for Akpabio and over 40 voted against. Some among those who voted against Akpabio had moved on and agreed to work with Akpabio. Some did not.”
“Why are all these controversies always about Akpabio? A few people want to do everything possible to remove you (Akpabio) from that seat,” he continued. “The last time the South South had the chance to be Senate President was over 40 years ago. Senators Ahmad Lawan and David Mark had peaceful tenures as Senate President. Even Senator Bukola Saraki with all he did served out his tenure.”
He concluded, “Why are these controversies all about Akpabio? Senator Ningi wants to use the name of Northern Senators Forum against Akpabio.”