The National Democratic Coalition in the United States (NADECO USA) has expressed strong criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style. The pro-democracy group accuses Akpabio of displaying a lack of empathy for the struggles of the Nigerian people and failing to foster unity among senators in the upper chamber.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NADECO USA’s Executive Director, Lloyd Ukwu, called for Akpabio’s resignation, citing concerns about his leadership approach.
The statement highlights a specific incident during a Senate plenary session where Akpabio allegedly made light of a comment advocating for better conditions for Nigerians. The pro-democracy group asserts that Akpabio’s reaction, which resulted in laughter from fellow senators, demonstrated a lack of empathy for the suffering masses in Nigeria.
Moreover, NADECO USA underscores allegations made by Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, and Senator Mohammed Onawo, who openly accused Akpabio of not allowing senators sufficient time to scrutinize bills, particularly those related to finances. They warned that history would judge him for expeditiously approving executive requests and passing crucial legislation without proper scrutiny.
These criticisms come in the wake of recent controversies involving Akpabio, including allegations by Senator Elisha Abbo that the Senate President was involved in the nullification of his election by the Abuja Court of Appeal. The court declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amos Yohanna, as the rightful winner of the February 25 senatorial election. Abbo further claimed that Akpabio had targeted four other senators for removal through the court.
In response to these allegations, Akpabio’s spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, issued a statement refuting the claims.
