- Senate Leader Bamidele attributes ongoing crises in the 10th Senate to senators aiming to unseat Senate President Akpabio
- He likens Senator Ningi’s actions regarding padded budget allegations to a failed civilian coup, emphasizing controversies surrounding Akpabio
Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti), has attributed the series of crises witnessed in the 10th Senate since its inception last June to certain aggrieved senators aiming to unseat Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he made this assertion during a debate on a motion concerning allegations made by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
Ningi had claimed that a staggering N3.7 trillion was padded into the 2024 budget, sparking uproar among fellow senators and igniting heated debates.
Bamidele likened Ningi’s actions to a civilian coup, which he asserted had failed.
He remarked, “I appreciate the members of the Northern Senators Forum who have refuted Ningi’s claim. Over 60 senators voted for Akpabio, while over 40 voted against. Some who initially opposed Akpabio have reconciled and agreed to collaborate with him, but some have not.”
“Why do all these controversies revolve around Akpabio? A few individuals are determined to remove you (Akpabio) from your position. The last time the South South held the Senate Presidency was over 40 years ago.”
“Senators Ahmad Lawan and David Mark had peaceful tenures as Senate President. Even Senator Bukola Saraki, despite his actions, completed his tenure.”
“Why are there always controversies about Akpabio? Senator Ningi is attempting to use the name of the Northern Senators Forum against Akpabio.”