The political landscape in Nigeria’s Senate has been rocked by a fresh controversy as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This demand comes in the wake of tensions surrounding proposed amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which govern the election of presiding and principal officers.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole expressed strong disapproval of the revised rules, labeling them as a product of a profound moral crisis. He argued that under the proposed framework, Akpabio no longer possesses the ethical or procedural legitimacy to continue as Senate President.
The former governor of Edo State pointed out that Akpabio became Minority Leader during his first term in the Senate and now seeks to modify the very regulations that would limit the eligibility of other senators. Oshiomhole emphasized that even combining the current term with the previous one, Akpabio has not completed eight years in office, a requirement that the new rules would supposedly enforce for anyone aspiring to lead the chamber.
According to Oshiomhole, passing a rule that demands eight consecutive years of service for the Senate presidency means that Akpabio should step down by example, as he currently presides without meeting the necessary qualifications.
It will be recalled that DAILY POST earlier reported that the Senate had withdrawn its amendment to the Standing Orders. This reversal followed a motion introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which was adopted under the oversight of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.
The initial amendment sought to restrict the contest for principal offices to senators who have served two terms, with one term being the immediate preceding term. This effectively narrowed the pool of candidates, sparking widespread criticism.