The vote of confidence passed by the Nigerian Senate
in the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, is a
significant development, particularly amidst the current unfolding events
within the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly.
This resolution was unanimously passed during last
Thursday’s Plenary, following a motion moved under Orders 40 and 51 by the
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), and seconded by the Deputy
Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West). This motion underscores the need
for clarity, adherence to legislative rules and a renewed focus on governance.
The decision came just 48 hours after the suspended Chairman of the Senate
Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, addressed the
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, claiming her suspension resulted
from her allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio. However, the
Senators urged Nigerians not to let these allegations distract them from
appreciating the core legislative duties of the National Assembly.
The vote of confidence not only reflects the Senate’s
unity and solidarity with Senator Akpabio but also underscores its commitment
to preserve the integrity of the institution.
This overwhelming support for the Senate leadership
comes as no surprise to many who have closely followed Senator Akpabio’s
bipartisan leadership since his assumption of office. Under his stewardship,
for the first time in the annals of the history of the Senate, women have been
appointed as Chairpersons of “Grade A” committees; a clear demonstration of the
Senate’s gender sensitivity. Furthermore, after years of delay, the 10th Senate
has successfully restored Nigeria’s budget cycle to the January-December
schedule, facilitating more effective implementation and oversights.
The Senate has also received praise for the mature
manner in which it handled the controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills
introduced by the Executive. An Ad-Hoc Committee was set up to address the
concerns raised, build consensus and educate the public on the economic
importance of the proposed law, which helped to allay fears from various
sectors.
Additionally, contrary to earlier predictions that the
10th Senate would serve as a rubber stamp for the Executive, the Senate, under
Akpabio’s leadership, has upheld the principle of separation of powers while
maintaining a constructive working relationship with the Executive. In the
screening of the ministerial nominees, the Senate jettisoned the usual
“Take-a-bow-and-go” approach, ensuring all nominees underwent thorough
scrutiny. It was through this process that three key ministerial nominees were
dropped from the list.
In another instance, the Senate declined the request
from the President to approve the sending of troops to Niger Republic against
the military junta that ousted the democratically elected government. This
decision helped to prevent potential loss of lives and property, which would
have ensued had the request been granted.
The economic hardship caused by the withdrawal of the
fuel subsidy at the beginning of the current administration led to widespread
distress among Nigerians, with long queues at petrol stations and severe
shortages of petroleum products. In response, the 10th Senate conducted an
oversight visit to the Dangote Refinery, which sparked concerns regarding the
management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. This prompted the Senate
Leadership to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate these activities and
recommend necessary legislative actions. This led to a Presidential directive
requiring the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) to sell crude oil
to local refineries in Naira. As a result, Dangote Refinery has reduced its
pump price, and two previously idle refineries have resumed operations. Today,
Nigerians are beginning to experience relief, with long queues at petrol
stations disappearing due to increased products’ availability.
Akpabio’s transformative leadership as Chairman of the
10th National Assembly has also elevated Nigeria’s presence in international
legislative diplomacy. In October 2023, Senator Akpabio of Nigeria was elected
to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) during its
147th Summit in Luanda, Angola—an achievement the country never attained in 60
years.
By reaffirming their support for Akpabio, the Senators
are sending a strong message: they will not be swayed by any unfounded
allegations against the Senate leadership. Instead, they have chosen to stand
behind their leader, demonstrating their commitment to stability and continuity
in Nigeria’s legislature.
The vote of confidence also emphasizes the critical
role of institutional loyalty and solidarity in Nigeria’s legislative
landscape. By rallying behind their leader, the Senators are upholding the
integrity of the Senate and its processes, reflecting continued support for a
leader committed to selfless service, enthronement of justice, and
demonstration of implicit support to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President
Tinubu’s Administration.
•Rt. Hon Eseme Eyiboh is Special Adviser,
Media/Publicity, and official spokesperson to the President of the 10th Senate.
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