The Senate’s spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, has sharply criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for demanding the resignation of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, amidst allegations of budget padding.
The controversy stems from claims made by PDP Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, who alleged that a substantial sum of N3.7 trillion was illicitly inserted into the 2024 budget.
In response to the PDP’s call for Akpabio’s resignation to facilitate an independent investigation, Adaramodu dismissed it as an attempt to manipulate public opinion. He condemned the PDP’s accusations as baseless and emphasized Akpabio’s refusal to step down.
Moreover, the power dynamics within the Senate saw swift changes as Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Katsina Central, assumed the role of Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), succeeding Ningi. This transition followed Ningi’s suspension by the Senate.
Yar’Adua, addressing the press after his appointment, outlined the NSF’s commitment to prioritizing national interests and fostering collaboration between the North and South. He pledged transparency, accountability, and integrity in the forum’s operations, underscoring their dedication to the nation’s unity and progress.
The developments underscore the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, as budget disputes lead to suspensions, leadership reshuffles, and partisan clashes, highlighting the intricacies of governance and power struggles within the legislative realm.
