Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio faces criticism over leadership

Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio faces criticism over leadership

…as Prince Saviour Iche reiterates on Senator Akpabio’s key roles

By Naomi Onome

Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, a human rights advocate, founder of Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (AMPEF) and president of ‘The Voice of the Voiceless Media’, criticises Nigerian senators led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio for their ineffectual leadership and lack of transparency since they were elected into office in 2023.

He said the Senate is known to employ the use of a check and balance mechanism to address the excesses of the Federal government. However, some ill-managed cases are addressed in the public hearings during their plenary meetings, causing resentment among the masses, such as the issue of Natasha, a controversial figure that has been a contentious topic in the Senate for months.

He further said,

“It is frustrating that the Nigerian Senate and specifically Senator Godswill Akpabio would make public hearings only to discuss Sen. Natasha’s case all the time as if we no longer have other issues to address. The perceived lack of tangible achievements and the focus on certain issues like the Natasha case, which seems to be dominating discussions, is totally absurd.”

Highlighting a couple of key concerns, it is pertinent that,

“There is a lack of checks and balances; the Senate isn’t effectively exercising its oversight role over the Federal Government, leading to unchecked decisions and bills passing without sufficient scrutiny.”

“Discussion of national issues, which includes important matters of national interest, including budget considerations, security issues and other concerning issues, should be addressed during these meetings, not irrelevant discussions that have no positive impact on the nation.”

“Nigeria’s Senate is a check and balance mechanism, allowing the Senate to regulate the Federal government’s excesses. However, some bills already pass even before their reading as long as they are from the federal government, leading to issues; some cases should go to public hearings for public scrutiny, besides the three tiers of government, since they have remained dormant and irresponsive in functionality.”

“There is a disconnect with the masses; Nigerians are critical about the Senate’s engagement with the public and policymaking that benefits the people. Unfortunately, in recent times the public hearings aren’t representing the masses effectively.”

“I specifically criticise Senator Akpabio’s leadership in the Senate; it is disappointing and frustrating with reference to past controversies with EFCC, where immunity covered his excesses. At this point, his leadership purpose is not useful to Nigerians; it is suggested that he consider resigning to preserve what’s left of his reputation.”

“Nigerians are looking for tangible policy achievements or actions from the senators to show they’re representing the people’s interests instead of prolonged focus on the Natasha case and the perceived shortcomings in governance.”

“The Nigerian Senators could convey public hearings as related to the welfare of the masses to show they’re representing them, based on the concerns of critiques, something to show that ‘they’re committed to transparent governance, actively engaging with Nigerians on critical policies, and holding the executive accountable for the benefit of all Nigerians.'”

Senator Godswill Akpabio is being urged to resign to preserve his respect. Despite being a governor for eight years and a minister during the last administration, Akpabio has been making errors and is being questioned about his tenure. Iche, in his summation, emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian political landscape.