The Kogi State SDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has harshly denounced Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti at a recent Senate plenary session, calling it “legislative autocracy and rascality.”
In a statement released on Thursday, February 20, Ajaka attacked Akpabio’s leadership style, saying that his undemocratic inclinations compromise the Senate’s integrity.
He called the widely shared footage of the incident “embarrassing,” adding to the impression that the Senate, led by Akpabio, is not independent or respectful of constitutional values.
“Nigerians long for a Senate that is attentive to their demands and accountable to them. Ajaka cautioned that democracy is seriously threatened when elected officials are deprived of their ability to speak for their constituents by oppressive and callous actions.
As a former governor, minister, and Senate president, he added, Akpabio should have the leadership abilities to encourage collaboration among members of all genders, backgrounds, and political affiliations.
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“His decision to continuously harass Senator Natasha is disheartening, and this has to end,” Ajaka continued.
He warned that if the Senate does not maintain justice, fairness, and respect for all members, Nigeria’s democracy will be in jeopardy and urged the Senate to act quickly to replace Akpabio with a more capable and inclusive leader.
In closing, Ajaka urged the Senate to redirect its attention from fighting battles that undermine democratic principles to enhancing the welfare of its constituents.
