Onwuka Nzeshi


Barely one week to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, indications have emerged that former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, may have his ambition to lead the Senate cut short due to some misgivings about his past among his colleagues in the Red Chamber.

Akpabio, a vibrant personality and former Leader of the Minority Caucus in the Senate, had been one of the front runners since the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presented him as its anointed candidate.

However, there are strong indications that he may be losing grip of the race as some senators-elect who were hitherto backing him are reportedly withdrawing on account of issues connected to his relationship with the National Assembly when he superintended over the Ministry of Nigeria Delta Affairs.

New Telegraph learnt that some senators-elect were having a rethink on Akpabio’s aspiration following accusations that he was disrespectful to the institution of the legislature when he, as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, openly accused members of the National Assembly of hijacking large contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) without any proof. Akpabio made the said accusation when he appeared before an Adhoc Committee of the House investigating sundry allegations of corruption and poor performance at the NDDC.

A senator-elect who would not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue confirmed that the withdrawal of support for Akpabio was real because they saw his accusation as a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the National Assembly.

“I have withdrawn support for Senator Akpabio. It’s not only me. Many of us have withdrawn our support and it will show on the floor.

“How can he (Akpabio) come and preside over an institution which he once described as a cesspit of corruption after benefitting from the same institution? I used to have very high regard for Senator Akpabio as a person but I can’t support him to be the Senate President,” he said.

In response to the changing tide, the Deputy Director-General of the Akpabio/ Barau Campaign Organisation, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele( APC/Ekiti Central) was said to have commenced an extensive lobby on Monday to woo back that senators-elect believed to have developed cold feet towards Akpabio’s bid.

Barring any last-minute hiccups, the 10th National Assembly will be inaugurated on June 13, 2023. On that day, senators-elect will file out to elect a new President of the Senate President to pilot the affairs of the Red Chamber for the next four years.

Akpabio is contesting alongside a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul’ Aziz Yari who is said to enjoy massive support among colleagues across party and regional lines.

Redoil:

Please how true is these statement some body should show me prove

The NDDC plays a vital role in ensuring the peace and security of the region and 90% or more of the resources of the country come from there.

If you close it down in totality all you will have is chaos. You will have a lot of, not just militancy, you will have a lot of insurrection.

So it is important that people who have gone to court, people who genuinely did jobs should be paid for their jobs. For me, I am not against it because, of course, who are even the greatest beneficiaries? It is you people.

I just told you that we have records to show that most of the contracts in the NDDC are given out to members of the National Assembly.

Beremx:
The plan is to make the first four leadership all muslims. So if Akpabio and OUK are kicked out, is it Abdulazeez Yari that will become SP? The Speakership also has another Muslim gearing up for the position.

Elrufai on the beat

Islie:





https://newtelegraphng.com/senate-presidency-why-akpabio-may-lose-support-of-colleagues/

BJanta:
This is an Iboman's evil desire. Don't know why their view is always negative. Never wish anybody well, except themselves.

helinues:
Orji Kalu will eventually be disgraced with all this yeye sponsored articles

DAVIDMOE:
Ouk that couldn't support Tinubu fully doing the campaign is busy looking for what's not lost. How many votes did he deliver to APC in the first place?
Surely, he will be disgraced.