Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has confessed that Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo are the three most difficult States to conduct election. Speaking at a meeting today, October 27, with the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), ahead of the November 11 election in the three States, Professor Yakubu said: “the three States of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are not the easiest States in Nigeria to conduct elections. “The difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on 14th July 2023. “Our message to politicians is that they should call their candidates and supporters to order. “Violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process must stop.” The INEC Chairman, who said that the three States have 5,409,438 registered voters out of which 5,169,692 have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), called on the security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence. “This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities. “In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement.” Professor Yakubu announced that eligible voters will vote in 10,510 polling units in the three States. According to him, there are two polling units in Bayelsa State and 38 in Imo State without registered voters. He said that the list of these polling units is available on the INEC website. He said that election results will be collated in 649 Registration Areas/Wards, 56 Local Government Areas and three State collation centres. “This gives us a cumulative figure of 11,178 voting and collation locations to deploy security personnel in the three States. “This is in addition to ensuring a secure environment for the ongoing campaigns and rallies by political parties and candidates, security of voters, the escort of personnel and materials, protection of assets and general security for all persons with legitimate reason to participate in the election and electoral activities.”
The Governor of Osun State on the platform of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court. The Governor said that the time has come for all the political leaders to come together to develop Nigeria of our dream. According to the Governor’s spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in a statement today, October 26, the Governor congratulated the President while attending the 8th Day Fidau prayer of the father of Osun State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Wahab Ayofe in Ede. Olawale quoted the Governor as saying that the resolution of the questions that surround the Presidential election will bring about focus in confronting the many challenges facing Nigeria. The Governor lauded the main opposition candidate in the election for deepening the country’s electoral jurisprudence by testing their complaints at the law court, adding that our judicial system has once again proven itself in tackling disputes that arise from our elections. “On behalf of the good people of Osun State, I congratulate President Tinubu on his judicial victory at the apex court. “It is my hope that your presidency will bring progress, unity, and prosperity to our nation, and I want to restate my commitment to partner you in offering good governance for our people.”
The University of Abuja has approved the promotion of 23 academic staff to professorial rank, with 13 of them promoted as full Professors while 10 became associate professors. The promotion, according to a statement today, October 26, by the institution’s spokesman, Dr. Habib Yakoob, was approved at the University’s 80th Regular Meeting on the Appointment and Promotion Committee (A&PC), held on 16th June 2023. The statement said that the Council had at various times considered and approved promotion of the staff to the professorial rank, subject to favourable external assessment. “Upon the receipt of assessments, the University sought the approval of the Ministry of Education for the release of the promotion to the beneficiaries, subject to the ratification by the Governing Council when it is constituted. “The exercise reveals that the academic staff were promoted across several disciplines which include education foundation, medical microbiology, geography, environmental science, history and diplomatic studies, and soil science. “Other disciplines were Christian religious studies, biological science, statistics, microbiology, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering, public administration, biochemistry, obstetrics & Geology, and microbiology & parasitology.” The statement quoted the Vice chancellor of the University, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, as describing those who have been promoted as hardworking academics, who are committed to the advancement of knowledge in their various fields of endeavour. “This is a well-deserved recognition of your dedication. Your promotions not only reflect your individual accomplishments, but also serve as a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing and supporting its academic community. “You have all consistently demonstrated your unwavering commitment to your respective fields. I will ask you not to relent in impacting your field of knowledge. I encourage you to embrace your roles as mentors, innovators, and catalysts for positive change, help to push the boundaries of knowledge, engage in more groundbreaking research, and inspire the next generation of thinkers and leaders.”
President Bola Tinubu has fondly remembered the legacy of the late patriarch of the Tinubu family, Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu on the 20th anniversary of his passing. In a statement today, October 26, the President extolled the sterling qualities of the late patriarch, who he said was a distinguished public servant, lawyer, administrator, and philanthropist. “Baba was the finest of men. He was an honourable man; he was noble. He believed in defending the weak against the strong and standing for what is just even at the cost of personal liberty. He was my fortress in the dark days of oppression. He was my rock. “Baba was selfless. He never stopped giving himself; his fortune, and everything for the betterment of others.” The President recalled the invaluable advice, support, and guidance the late patriarch provided him when he served as the governor of Lagos State. “Baba was passionate about good governance. When I was the governor of Lagos, he was always on hand to offer brilliant advice and guidance. “He left a legacy that is larger than life. We will continue to celebrate Baba as well as the values and principles he exemplified.”
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said that the judgement of the Supreme Court today, October 26, on the Presidential election held on February 25 this year, has reaffirmed the integrity and reputation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) According to him, “INEC’s reputation has never been in question or in doubt at all. “All the jobs they have done have been affirmed by the Supreme Court today and I’m confident that in the Kogi election, more successes will be recorded by INEC.” Governor Yahaya Bello was reacting to the Supreme Court verdict that affirmed the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the Presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. He called on the opposition to sheath their swords and support the government of President Tinubu. “If Mr. President succeeds, it is Nigerians that succeed and we are praying and working hard that Mr. President should succeed because when a leader succeeds, it touches on all the followers. “We are praying for Mr. President to succeed so that he can deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians and Nigeria on the path of the Renewed Hope that he promised us earlier.” Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, also reacting to the Supreme Court ruling asked the opposition to go to sleep “or they can now congratulate our President and if they actually did mean well for our country. “You aspired to an office with the belief that you can offer the country the representation that it deserves, but it must not be a do-or-die. If that opportunity does not present itself for you now and the courts and people have chosen who they want, if you really do mean well for the country, what you need to do is congratulate that person, join hands with that person to ensure that what you want to do is achieved, that the common man gets the best of governance.” He said that President Tinubu can now be focused on the task of governance, against the background that all the distractions are behind him. “He has a lot of work to do. He’s assumed this office at a time when audacious and bold decisions have to be made, which he has made. He now has to keep his eyes on the ball and continue with his plans in line with is Renewed Hope Agenda. Governor Abiodun said that by this judgement, the Supreme Court has also put to rest, a lot of issues that will now become precedents in law. “I’m sure that some other cases where either appeals have been filed at the appellate level or the Supreme Court, will probably be withdrawn. Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State advised the opposition to put behind the differences and work for the betterment of the country, saying that it is a victory for all. “We must have a clear direction on how to get all hands on deck to get the economy of Nigeria on track. Let us put behind us whatever differences, political or otherwise; and let us rally round this administration for the benefit of Nigerians because at the end of the day, we all want food on our table, we all want good roads , the food is not for a particular party, the road is not for a particular party, it is for all Nigerians and that should be our concept, going forward.”
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on the political leaders in the opposition parties to sheath their swords, after the Supreme Court has, today, October 26, ended the battle for the presidency, and asked them to join the victor, President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria great again. In a congratulatory message to Tinubu, issued by his spokesman, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the verdict of the Supreme Court as reflective of the will of the people. The Senate President emphasized the need for the major rivals of the President to sheath their swords of political combat and join hands with the Tinubu administration in the collective goal of making the nation great again. “The elections have been announced by the electoral authorities and confirmed by the courts, and I call on all former political rivals of the president to show good faith by joining hands with the Bola Tinubu administration in its ongoing efforts to take the nation to a higher level.” The Senate President said that he was personally elated that the jurists of the Supreme Court saw through the arguments and even without much technicalities, easily confirmed the victory of Tinubu in the poll. “There is no doubt that victory came at a cost, but Mr President, that makes it even sweeter. I know you have in your years of public service yielded your personal and other comforts for the collective good and what it cost to confirm the victory in the courts should be seen with a similar vista.” Senator Akpabio advised the president not to relent in being a father figure to his former rivals, saying that it is superfluous to remind the president of his well-known big heart. The Senate President gave assurance that the National Assembly would continue to support the Tinubu administration by leveraging its legislative tentacles to raise the level of governance to a higher pedestal. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also reacted to the Supreme Court verdict by emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration. He encouraged the opposition to take heart, recognizing that this is undeniably, Asiwaju’s time. “Let’s come together for the betterment of our nation, as we embark on this journey of progress under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu.”
The inauguration of the 10th Senate in June was accompanied by the usual political drama that opened new dispensations at the National Assembly. Many observers took the keenly contested leadership elections in the chamber as further signals that Nigeria is a thriving democracy. The new leadership of the Senate under Godswill Obot Akpabio, like the pilot of an aircraft taking off in rough weathers, encountered a slight turbulence before getting to cruising altitude. But it has since stabilized and the 10th Senate is well into its four-year journey. At least that was the common view until a few weeks back when media report painted a disturbing picture. However, as l ponder happenings in the Senate since the said media report, the global hit by one of America’s best-selling R&B singers, Robert Sylvester Kelly, popularly known as R. Kelly, flashes through my mind: The Storm is Over Now! The syndicated media report purporting a move to change the three months old leadership of the Senate indicated that the aircraft had run into a storm. The report left many concerned readers wondering: how could Distinguished Senators, who are almost all senior citizens with vast political and leadership experiences, be contemplating the removal of a Senate President who has barely taken his seat? But like the refrain in R. Kelly’s song says, the storm is over now. That “storm”, to be sure, was not strange. The outcome of the elections of the presiding officers had indicated that there were two major tendencies in the upper chamber. But the thinking was that the tendencies had fused in response to the olive branch magnanimously waved by Akpabio immediately he took his seat as the new President of the Senate. But some people often want to see drama and tension in the Legislature. Otherwise, the chamber is boring for such people. For this reason there are always actors available to create situations or imaginary situations of “crisis” for the media to amplify. They do this mainly to secure concessions for themselves. So it is purely a selfish act. At the beginning, the 10th Senate had attended to some national issues requiring urgent attention. Immediately after, the Senate adjourned and members proceeded on their annual vacation as planned in their calendar. The Senators were on the vacation when the news broke of the alleged plot to remove Akpabio. Discerning Nigerians could see that the report was a ruse. But some people fell for it. Thus, the rumour, even though baseless, created apprehension in the light of the nature of politics at the National Assembly. It was a quick reminder of the “banana peel” syndrome in the Nigerian Parliament when its leadership at some point almost became a game of musical chairs. In the midst of this apprehension, Senator Elisha Abbo who until 16th October, 2023 represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, granted a media interview which further fuelled suspicions that he probably knew about the purported plot to remove Akpabio because, rightly or wrongly, he was believed to be mouthpiece of a group within the chamber. He alleged lopsidedness in the allocation of leadership of Senate standing committees. So when the Senate resumed plenary on 26th September, 2023, some people expected a rowdy session in the chamber. But Akpabio, an experienced politician well-versed in the politics of the National Assembly, was unruffled. As soon as the plenary began, he called for an executive session. When the Senators rose from the exclusive meeting, the atmosphere had become calm. Whatever storm there was, was over. That development did not surprise close observers of the chamber in recent times. The Senate is populated by senior citizens who highly value systemic order and stability. That is why Senators often act as members of the same family despite their different party affiliations. However the following week, precisely on Tuesday 3rd October, 2023, the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, in a motion during the plenary, proposed an amendment to the standing orders of the Senate “to clearly state that a Senator vying for the office of the President of the Senate or Deputy President of the Senate must have served at least one term in the Senate as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The motion passed and now effectively excludes first timers at the Senate from vying for the posts of presiding officers. Some people see the development as a barrier expediently erected against political adventurism in the Senate. But many also see it as a necessary amendment to ensure stability in the upper chamber and also make experience in the workings of the Senate a priority in leadership selection in the chamber. Before the amendment was passed by a voice vote, Senator Bamidele reminded his Distinguished colleagues that the idea is in line with what is obtainable at the House of Representatives. The Senate Leader also proposed an amendment to create nine more Standing Committees of the Senate. According to Senator Bamidele, this addition is “in response to emerging development that will enhance rules of procedures for a sound legislative practice.” Beyond the official explanation for the newly created committees, some consider the step a strategy to offer more ranking lawmakers the chairmanship of committees. This is in a bid to strengthen bond within the chamber so that the receded “storm” does not rise again. Some keen observers are also suggesting to the Senate to take a step further by amending its standing orders on the mode of election of its Presiding Officers. They want the Senate to adopt the Open Ballot system. At the moment, the Senate rule provides for secret ballot, unlike the open ballot mode in use at the House of Representatives. Leading that advocacy is a pro-democracy group, the Citizen Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria(CNPDN). The argument is that the last exercise polarised the Senate into two major tendencies, which was not the case in the House of Representatives despite the fact that contests for the positions were keen in both Chambers. Maybe these tendencies in the Senate would have fizzled out at the point of voting like it happened at the House of Representatives had the ballot been open. Senator Elisha Abbo’s comment on Arise Television on 17th October, 2023 however confirmed what most people had been saying that the purported impeachment plot was a ruse. Senator Abbo said, a day after the Court of Appeal annulled his election for a second term in the Senate: “I want to say that there was no plan to impeach the Senate President at any time, who himself was a product of the popular vote of confidence by us (his colleagues). I support and respect Senator Godswill Akpabio to deliver on the core mandate of the Nigerian people. I am praying for God to give him wisdom because the Senate is a chamber of equals and I am praying for wisdom for him to know how to manage his colleagues because I don’t want him to fail.” In the TV interview, Senator Abbo recanted on his earlier accusation that the Senate President was responsible for his electoral travail in court Similarly on Tuesday 17th October, the media, with screaming headlines, wrongly projected another storm in the Senate Chamber. They reported that the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume “stormed” out of the plenary in protest against the Senate President, who had ruled Ndume out of Order when he raised Point of Order during the proceedings. It was not only the media that got it wrong, Ndume’s walking out of the chamber was too sudden that even some Senators misread the development. But the Borno South Senator left the chamber for a different purpose, as he later explained. “I made a point and the Senate President ruled me out of order, then I left because you know, it was close to 1:30 pm and whatever business we are doing, I normally go to pray,” Senator Ndume told BBC reporter, Hausa service. “The press misinterpreted it and the Senate President misinterpreted it, that I got annoyed and left. When I came to the office, they said the Senate was in executive session, that I should come because we said we should have executive session. I said let me go to the executive session briefly because I have already performed ablution and continued to the Mosque.” That media report created another apprehension but it was quickly managed. The Senate President himself later told State House reporters that there is no cause for alarm. “The Parliament is like that. Sometimes we disagree to agree. But the major thing is that we are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree on some of the happenings in the senate, still, it is only the majority decision that prevails. “Parliament is like that. But we will never get to a point of throwing chairs. We will never get to that point. The Senate is too mature, full of matured people, so, if we have a disagreement, we immediately go into a closed session, resolve it and come out smiling,” Akpabio said. ***Awoniyi, media aide to Senate President, wrote in from Abuja.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has advised political actors in the legal battle for the presidency to sheet their swords after the eight months fight that has just ended in the Supreme Court. Reacting to the ruling of the highest court in the land on the appeal by the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, against the victory of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari described the ruling of the Supreme Court as a welcome relief to him and to a majority of the citizens. “Now that we have arrived at the last bus stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. “The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima APC government. “Let them allow the government to run their administration and the people to have the benefit of the promises the All Progressives Congress, APC made. The former President repeated what he said on the earlier 6th September verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court which affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory that the welcome decision is “a reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority.” The former President however, expressed concern over low voting percentage all over the country, especially in urban areas, saying that this should change given the acceptance and vibrancy of democracy in Nigeria. In a statement today, issued by his spokesman while in office, Malam Garba Shehu, the former President wished the President and his team a successful term in office.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Judiciary for standing up tall and holding its head high above water inspite of open pressure and intimidation from some political actors. The President, in his reaction to the final verdict by the Supreme Court today, October 26, on the February Presidential election, which he won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said: “despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.” Read the full text of the President’s statement below, on the Supreme Court judgement: I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour. There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter. While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity. It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation. With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people. The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens. Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations. We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country. In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress. I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Bola Ahmed Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria October 26, 2023
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in dismissing all the grounds presented by both the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to disqualify President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made none sense of one of the Atiku’s submission. During the ruling today , October 26, one of the seven judges, Justice Okoro declared: “It runs foul of the Electoral Act 2022 which says that `after the expiration of the time for presenting election petition, no amendment shall be made’”. The judge also held that the appellants (Atiku and PDP) “were tardy and not diligent enough” to obtain the records from CSU considering that they had one year since President Bola Tinubu submitted his nomination form to INEC. The Supreme Court finally affirmed the election of Tinubu as the duly elected President of Nigeria at the February 25, 2023 presidential election in the country. The seven-member panel of the Court, led by Justice John Okoro, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the appeals of the Atiku and Peter Obi as lacking merit. The apex court rejected the application of Atiku to file fresh evidence in his case against Tinubu over the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate. The Court upheld the decision of the tribunal on the 25 percent vote cast in the Federal Capital Territory, striking out offensive paragraphs of a witness statement after examining the credibility of witnesses called during the hearing the Tribunal. The duo of Atiku and Obi, in their separate prayers to the apex court, had challenged the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Court, sitting in Abuja, which affirmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential poll. The five-man panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani not only dismissed the consolidated petitions of the PDP, the APM, and the LP, but also clearly affirmed the victory of Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, in the poll. Justice Tsammani said: “This petition accordingly lacks merit. I affirm the return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The parties are to bear their cost.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Storm Is Over For 10th Senate, By Ola Awoniyi
The inauguration of the 10th Senate in June was accompanied by the usual political drama that opened new dispensations at the National Assembly. Many observers took the keenly contested leadership elections in the chamber as further signals that Nigeria is a thriving democracy. The new leadership of the Senate under Godswill Obot Akpabio, like the pilot of an aircraft taking off in rough weathers, encountered a slight turbulence before getting to cruising altitude. But it has since stabilized and the 10th Senate is well into its four-year journey.
At least that was the common view until a few weeks back when media report painted a disturbing picture.
However, as l ponder happenings in the Senate since the said media report, the global hit by one of America’s best-selling R&B singers, Robert Sylvester Kelly, popularly known as R. Kelly, flashes through my mind: The Storm is Over Now!
The syndicated media report purporting a move to change the three months old leadership of the Senate indicated that the aircraft had run into a storm. The report left many concerned readers wondering: how could Distinguished Senators, who are almost all senior citizens with vast political and leadership experiences, be contemplating the removal of a Senate President who has barely taken his seat? But like the refrain in R. Kelly’s song says, the storm is over now.
That “storm”, to be sure, was not strange. The outcome of the elections of the presiding officers had indicated that there were two major tendencies in the upper chamber. But the thinking was that the tendencies had fused in response to the olive branch magnanimously waved by Akpabio immediately he took his seat as the new President of the Senate.
But some people often want to see drama and tension in the Legislature. Otherwise, the chamber is boring for such people. For this reason there are always actors available to create situations or imaginary situations of “crisis” for the media to amplify. They do this mainly to secure concessions for themselves. So it is purely a selfish act.
At the beginning, the 10th Senate had attended to some national issues requiring urgent attention. Immediately after, the Senate adjourned and members proceeded on their annual vacation as planned in their calendar. The Senators were on the vacation when the news broke of the alleged plot to remove Akpabio.
Discerning Nigerians could see that the report was a ruse. But some people fell for it. Thus, the rumour, even though baseless, created apprehension in the light of the nature of politics at the National Assembly. It was a quick reminder of the “banana peel” syndrome in the Nigerian Parliament when its leadership at some point almost became a game of musical chairs.
In the midst of this apprehension, Senator Elisha Abbo who until 16th October, 2023 represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, granted a media interview which further fuelled suspicions that he probably knew about the purported plot to remove Akpabio because, rightly or wrongly, he was believed to be mouthpiece of a group within the chamber. He alleged lopsidedness in the allocation of leadership of Senate standing committees.
So when the Senate resumed plenary on 26th September, 2023, some people expected a rowdy session in the chamber. But Akpabio, an experienced politician well-versed in the politics of the National Assembly, was unruffled.
As soon as the plenary began, he called for an executive session. When the Senators rose from the exclusive meeting, the atmosphere had become calm. Whatever storm there was, was over.
That development did not surprise close observers of the chamber in recent times. The Senate is populated by senior citizens who highly value systemic order and stability. That is why Senators often act as members of the same family despite their different party affiliations.
However the following week, precisely on Tuesday 3rd October, 2023, the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, in a motion during the plenary, proposed an amendment to the standing orders of the Senate “to clearly state that a Senator vying for the office of the President of the Senate or Deputy President of the Senate must have served at least one term in the Senate as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The motion passed and now effectively excludes first timers at the Senate from vying for the posts of presiding officers.
Some people see the development as a barrier expediently erected against political adventurism in the Senate. But many also see it as a necessary amendment to ensure stability in the upper chamber and also make experience in the workings of the Senate a priority in leadership selection in the chamber. Before the amendment was passed by a voice vote, Senator Bamidele reminded his Distinguished colleagues that the idea is in line with what is obtainable at the House of Representatives.
The Senate Leader also proposed an amendment to create nine more Standing Committees of the Senate. According to Senator Bamidele, this addition is “in response to emerging development that will enhance rules of procedures for a sound legislative practice.”
Beyond the official explanation for the newly created committees, some consider the step a strategy to offer more ranking lawmakers the chairmanship of committees. This is in a bid to strengthen bond within the chamber so that the receded “storm” does not rise again.
Some keen observers are also suggesting to the Senate to take a step further by amending its standing orders on the mode of election of its Presiding Officers. They want the Senate to adopt the Open Ballot system.
At the moment, the Senate rule provides for secret ballot, unlike the open ballot mode in use at the House of Representatives. Leading that advocacy is a pro-democracy group, the Citizen Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria(CNPDN). The argument is that the last exercise polarised the Senate into two major tendencies, which was not the case in the House of Representatives despite the fact that contests for the positions were keen in both Chambers.
Maybe these tendencies in the Senate would have fizzled out at the point of voting like it happened at the House of Representatives had the ballot been open.
Senator Elisha Abbo’s comment on Arise Television on 17th October, 2023 however confirmed what most people had been saying that the purported impeachment plot was a ruse. Senator Abbo said, a day after the Court of Appeal annulled his election for a second term in the Senate: “I want to say that there was no plan to impeach the Senate President at any time, who himself was a product of the popular vote of confidence by us (his colleagues). I support and respect Senator Godswill Akpabio to deliver on the core mandate of the Nigerian people. I am praying for God to give him wisdom because the Senate is a chamber of equals and I am praying for wisdom for him to know how to manage his colleagues because I don’t want him to fail.”
In the TV interview, Senator Abbo recanted on his earlier accusation that the Senate President was responsible for his electoral travail in court
Similarly on Tuesday 17th October, the media, with screaming headlines, wrongly projected another storm in the Senate Chamber. They reported that the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume “stormed” out of the plenary in protest against the Senate President, who had ruled Ndume out of Order when he raised Point of Order during the proceedings. It was not only the media that got it wrong, Ndume’s walking out of the chamber was too sudden that even some Senators misread the development. But the Borno South Senator left the chamber for a different purpose, as he later explained.
“I made a point and the Senate President ruled me out of order, then I left because you know, it was close to 1:30 pm and whatever business we are doing, I normally go to pray,” Senator Ndume told BBC reporter, Hausa service.
“The press misinterpreted it and the Senate President misinterpreted it, that I got annoyed and left. When I came to the office, they said the Senate was in executive session, that I should come because we said we should have executive session. I said let me go to the executive session briefly because I have already performed ablution and continued to the Mosque.”
That media report created another apprehension but it was quickly managed. The Senate President himself later told State House reporters that there is no cause for alarm.
“The Parliament is like that. Sometimes we disagree to agree. But the major thing is that we are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree on some of the happenings in the senate, still, it is only the majority decision that prevails.
“Parliament is like that. But we will never get to a point of throwing chairs. We will never get to that point. The Senate is too mature, full of matured people, so, if we have a disagreement, we immediately go into a closed session, resolve it and come out smiling,” Akpabio said.
***Awoniyi, media aide to Senate President, wrote in from Abuja.