Senators-elect Withdrawing Support from Akpabio over NDDC, Yari’s Group Alleges

•We have required number to deliver ex-minister, Ndume insists 

•PLAC seeks transparent NASS election

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC) which is canvassing support for Senator Abdulaziz Yari, as the 10th Senate President has alleged that some elected senators had started withdrawing support for the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the position, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The SDC also has other aspirants like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Osita Izunaso, in their fold.

A statement by the group’s media office yesterday, alleged that some senators-elect who were hitherto expressing support for Akpabio, had reportedly withdrawn on account of issues connected with his relationship with the National Assembly when he was Minister of the Nigeria Delta Affairs.

It added that arrowheads of Akpabio’s Campaign Organisation, under the aegis of Stability Group, have been making frantic appeals to senators-elect to remain committed to the cause.

The Yari’s group claimed that the Deputy Director- General of the Stability Group, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was quoted to have told the Media on Monday, that the campaign was appealing to senators-elect to support Akpabio’s bid.

The statement read, “Some of the senators-elect hinted that they are having a rethink on Senator Akpabio’s Senate Presidency over accusations that he was disrespectful to the institution of legislature when he, as the Minister of Niger Delta.

“There was a time he openly accused National Assembly members of hugely benefiting from large contracts in the NDDC without a proof.”

“Akpabio is trying to preside over an institution he once described as a cesspit of corruption after benefitting from the same institution” the Senator-elect queried.

Reacting to the development, the Director General for the Stability Group, Senator Ali Ndume, described as untrue, claims that senators-elect were abandoning Akpabio.

Ndume said the focus of the group was to deliver the anointed candidates as the presiding officer and that they have the number to do so.

On the alleged attack on the National Assembly by Akpabio, Ndume said, “I don’t think so because in the first place, I knew about the incident. It was not that Akpabio directly attacked the National Assembly.

“The accusation was directed at one of the executive directors (of the NDDC), who happened to be a one-time member of the National Assembly (Cairo Ojougboh).

“So, having a disagreement with the National Assembly on some issues is not a new thing and it should not be taken personally.

“As of then, Akpabio was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Even though I am not deeply concerned about what happened, that should not be an excuse to sacrifice him when there is a call for this important national assignment.

Ndume said he had worked with Akpabio in the 8th National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a leading non-governmental organisation working on democracy and good governance, has made case for transparent and credible election of presiding and principal officers in the Senate and House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to issue a proclamation for the 10th National Assembly to be inaugurated in the coming week.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, PLAC said there was a need for elected legislators to be able to choose their Presiding and Principal Officers in line with the principles of separation of powers and devoid of interference by the executive arm or intimidation, harassment or even the use of state machinery.

According to him, PLAC recognises the significance of a democratic and inclusive legislative process in fostering national development, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.

“It is crucial that the elections of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, their Deputies, and other Principal Officers of the National Assembly is conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and respect for the choices made by elected representatives.

“This will avoid the instability that foisted leadership could create for the 10th National Assembly.

Legislators should be able to exercise their constitutional rights and freedom to elect leaders who can effectively represent their interests and the interests of the Nigerian people,” he said.

PLAC said the electoral process should be devoid of anything that undermines the independence and integrity of the legislature.

The Centre further solicited for improved representation and participation of women in politics.

It added that, “Women constitute at least half of the Nigerian population and their perspectives and experiences are invaluable in shaping policies and legislation. We are calling on the 10th National Assembly to give a fair opportunity for women to emerge in Principal Officer positions, as this will ensure gender representation in the National Assembly.

“PLAC is committed to upholding democratic values and promoting a strong and accountable legislature in Nigeria as a new Session of the National Assembly commences work”.