Senate Clash: Labour Party Challenges Akpabio’s Appointments
Minority leader appointments spark heated dispute in Senate, exposing internal rifts.
In a startling development within the Senate, the Labour Party (LP) members have confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding his recent appointments of minority leaders, creating a significant controversy within the legislative body. The situation unfolded when Akpabio declared Abba Moro, the senator representing Benue south, as the minority leader, and Osita Ngwu, the senator representing Enugu West, as the minority whip.
The replacements raised eyebrows, revealing the removal of Simon Mwadkwon, the senator representing Plateau north, and Darlington Nwokocha, the senator representing Abia Central, both affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This removal was attributed to a court decision.
Tensions peaked on the parliamentary floor immediately after Akpabio concluded the announcement on behalf of the minority caucus. Senator Tony Nwoye of the LP, representing Anambra North, vehemently expressed his discontent, challenging the Senate President’s authority to unilaterally designate their leaders.
In a heated exchange quoted by TheCable, Nwoye declared, “Are we your slaves? Why should the Senate President be picking leaders for us? You have done your worst. You have pushed us to the wall. What does this mean? It is unfair. It is not about me; it is about the institution of the state.”
Despite attempts by fellow senators to pacify Nwoye, Akpabio defended his decision, emphasizing that the appointed minority leaders had the support of the majority of the minority senators, as indicated by their signatures.
“The Senate President can only work with what is before me,” Akpabio asserted. “You have Senator Abaribe and Aliero; their names are not here.”
Despite the explanation, Akpabio expressed sympathy for the minority parties in the Senate, acknowledging the challenges they face in organizing their internal affairs. This incident underscores the ongoing power struggles and tensions within the Senate, with potential repercussions for the collaborative functioning of the legislative body.
