Senate Crisis Escalates as Northern Leaders Step In Amidst Suspended Senator’s Recall Debate “The longstanding Senate crisis, pitting loyalists of Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Northern lawmakers, has now entangled governors and other political figures from the North.
The rift, which culminated in the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central Senatorial District, predates Akpabio’s ascension to the presidency of the 10th Senate in 2023.
On March 12, 2024, the Senate, spearheaded by Akpabio and three South West senators—Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate Leader), Adeola Olamilekan (Chairman of the Appropriations Committee), and Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State—suspended Ningi.
This action was taken in response to Ningi’s allegations of budget padding exceeding N3 trillion, despite attempts by Northern lawmakers to intervene.
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Bamidele, Olamilekan, and Ibrahim, representing the South West, were the primary advocates for Ningi’s suspension.
Nearly three weeks post-suspension, Daily Sun reports that senior senators from the North, along with certain governors, have intervened to mediate and resolve the ongoing crisis within the upper legislative chamber.
A prominent senator from the North West, a key figure in the peace efforts, revealed that the issue could have been resolved without Ningi’s suspension if the pressure from the three South West senators—Bamidele, Olamilekan, and Ibrahim—had not compelled Akpabio to act.
According to the senator, concerned governors, apprehensive about the ethnic implications of the conflict, implored Akpabio to exercise caution and reconsider Ningi’s suspension, given Ningi’s support from influential Northern politicians.However, despite these appeals, Akpabio faced opposition from his close allies, particularly lawmakers from the South West, who insisted on Ningi’s continued suspension.
This was despite a court ruling limiting lawmaker suspensions to two weeks.”Akpabio had to disregard their stance and opt to recall Ningi,” the senator disclosed.
“Ningi commands significant support, and many Northern senators and leaders view his suspension as an affront to the region’s interests.
Yet, some individuals prioritize personal pride and control over Senate affairs.”The senator emphasized the outreach from senior Northern senators and both former and incumbent governors, cautioning Akpabio against exacerbating ethnic tensions within the chamber, exemplified by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
“Akpabio recognizes the imperative of a united Senate for effective governance,” the senator added. “Consequently, he sought a viable pretext to extricate himself from the predicament orchestrated by the three South West senators.
Hence, Femi Falana’s letter, advocating for Ningi, serves as a plausible rationale for Ningi’s recall.”
