The Nigerian Senate was plunged into chaos on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced new minority leadership positions.
The move sparked outrage among opposition members, who queried Akpabio’s authority to unilaterally make such decisions.
He named Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the new minority leader, replacing Simon Mwadkwon of the PDP, and Osita Ngwu of the PDP as the new minority whip, replacing Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party (LP).
However, the decision was met with fierce opposition from LP’s Tony Nwoye, who vehemently objected to Akpabio’s intervention in the minority caucus’s internal affairs.
“Are we your slaves? Why will the senate president be picking leaders for us?” Nwoye exclaimed, expressing his anger and frustration.
“You have done your worst. You have pushed us to the wall. Meaning what? It is unfair. It is not about me, it is about the institution of the state.”
Nwoye’s outburst prompted other senators to step in and calm the situation. Following the brief disruption, Akpabio attempted to justify his actions, stating that he was merely acting on the authority of a list of signatories from minority senators who approved the decision.
“Minority, put your house in order first,” Akpabio asserted, emphasising that he was bound by the information presented to him.
He further explained that the names of Abaribe and Aliero, two prominent opposition senators, were not included in the list of signatories.
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Despite Akpabio’s explanation, the tension in the Senate remained palpable.
The episode highlighted the ongoing political divisions within the Nigerian Senate and the delicate balance of power between the majority and minority caucuses.