A coalition of civil society organizations, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), has strongly criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole over his recent demand for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group, along with 17 other pro-democracy organizations, dismissed Oshiomhole's position as ill-motivated and instead passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio's leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
Oshiomhole's Allegations
Speaking during a press interview monitored on TVC News, Oshiomhole questioned the integrity of the Senate President and alleged that recent amendments to the Senate Standing Orders were designed to entrench a particular leadership structure and favor a select group within the upper chamber. He argued that these changes undermined the democratic process and called for Akpabio's resignation.
Coalition's Response
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo, and representatives of other pro-democracy groups, the coalition expressed solidarity with Akpabio and commended senators for standing firmly behind him. The groups described Akpabio as a visionary leader who has continued to steer the affairs of the Senate in a peaceful and coordinated manner despite political distractions.
“Regardless of the distractions from certain vested interests, the Senate President has remained focused and dedicated in discharging his legislative duties. Calls for his sack are therefore unnecessary and ill-motivated. Nigerians must not allow over-ambitious politicians to sway their opinions about people of impeccable integrity,” the statement read.
Executive-Legislative Synergy
The coalition also praised the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government under Akpabio's leadership, noting that the synergy has helped to fast-track the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to the statement, the collaboration between both arms of government has contributed to economic reforms and policy coordination aimed at repositioning the country.
Call for Respect of Institutions
The groups further cautioned against what they described as needless apprehension by Oshiomhole, stressing that the Senate remains an institution governed by rules and standing orders which must be respected by all members. “We must respect our institutions and the Nigerian Senate is one of them. Anybody who cannot abide by the resolutions of the Senate is not fit to be called a Senator. Senator Adams Oshiomhole should therefore comply or resign,” the statement concluded.
