- The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) criticized Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for likening Senator Abdul Ningi’s actions to a coup
- Bamidele accused Ningi of trying to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio and insisted on thwarting any attempt to extend his tenure
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rebuked Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for likening Senator Abdul Ningi’s actions to a civilian coup, accusing him of attempting to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, asserted that Ningi’s actions mirrored a failed coup, alleging that he sought to exploit the Northern Senators’ Forum to advance his agenda. He further insisted that any attempt to extend Akpabio’s tenure beyond June 13, 2023, must be thwarted.
Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, had raised concerns about the alleged disappearance of N3.7 trillion from the budget during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa Service).
Reacting to Bamidele’s remarks, the CNG, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, cautioned Bamidele against attributing alleged conspiracies to the North aimed at undermining Akpabio’s leadership.
The statement emphasized the North’s historical contributions to shaping the country’s leadership and urged Bamidele to acknowledge the support provided by Northern politicians to figures like President Tinubu.
The CNG warned against continued attacks on Northern leaders and asserted the North’s determination to respond to such provocations. It called for accountability for those who attacked Northern leaders unwarranted.
The statement concluded by affirming the North’s commitment to national integration while cautioning against further provocations that could strain inter-regional relations.