The Nigerian Senate has passed a decisive vote of confidence in Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following widespread rumors of a potential impeachment plot aimed at his removal. The resolution came after Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North, raised concerns during a Senate session about allegations that northern senators were planning to oust Akpabio.
Addressing the chamber, Senator Abdullahi cited the Senate Standing Rules, specifically Orders 10 and 42, to formally dismiss the rumors as baseless. He called on the Senate to reaffirm its collective support for Akpabio’s leadership to ensure unity and progress within the legislative body. “There is no attempt by any caucus among northern senators to create discord or undermine the Senate leadership,” Abdullahi assured his colleagues. He emphasized the importance of unity and warned against any efforts to sow division along regional lines.
Abdullahi, a senior member of the Northern Senators’ Forum, was resolute in his defense of the Senate’s current leadership, stating, “Anyone trying to bring division across any regional line is undermining the progress of our democracy and the capacity of this institution to deliver.” His statement reflected the need for the Senate to rise above petty politics and continue working toward national cohesion and effective governance.
In response, the Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence, which effectively solidified Akpabio’s position and dispelled the impeachment rumors. This move was supported by senators across the political spectrum, further highlighting the commitment of the legislative body to remain united.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, echoed Abdullahi’s sentiments, stressing the importance of reinforcing confidence in both the Senate President and the entire leadership of the National Assembly. “We must unequivocally express our support and ensure that this leadership remains intact. It’s vital for the progress of our institution and the country,” Ningi said, urging his colleagues to stay united in the face of distractions.
The vote of confidence sent a clear message that the Senate stands behind its leadership, despite attempts to destabilize the institution. Both Abdullahi and Ningi emphasized that any rumors of internal conflict within the northern caucus or among senators were false and should be dismissed as the work of detractors attempting to create discord.
In his response, Senate President Akpabio expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of support from his colleagues. “On behalf of my brother, the Deputy Senate President, and the entire leadership, I assure you that the unity and the bond existing between us and the Senate will continue,” Akpabio stated. He underscored the resilience of the Senate, assuring his colleagues that no external forces, including social media speculation, could break the strong bond that had been forged over time.
Akpabio’s speech also included a commitment to justifying the confidence placed in him and the leadership team. He promised that the coming months and years would prove the Senate’s unity and dedication to the Nigerian people. “We are humbled by your support, and we will ensure that this institution continues to thrive and deliver for Nigerians,” he added.
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