The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy has expressed strong disapproval of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent conduct, citing a lack of decorum and respect for parliamentary procedures.
In a statement, CPD national coordinator, Menike Johnson, criticized Akpabio’s advice to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to “ignore” Senator Ireti Kingibe, who has been at odds with Wike over her exclusion from FCT affairs.
Johnson lamented Akpabio’s “pettiness” in using his position to settle personal scores, which has ridiculed the Senate institution.
The group urged Akpabio to seek guidance from his predecessors, such as Ahmad Lawan, Bukola Saraki, and David Mark, who conducted the Senate’s affairs with reverence and respect, according to Politics Nigeria.
The CPD emphasized that Nigerians expect Akpabio to focus on providing legislative support to address the country’s economic challenges, rather than engaging in personal squabbles.
“If he (Akpabio) sought the advice of his predecessors in that office, he would have been counselled that the Chair of the Senate President in the chamber is not designed for personal scuffles.
“The expectations of Nigerians is that Akpabio as the Senate President will provide for legislative instruments that will help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to solve economic challenges confronting the nation”, the group said.
