Indications have emerged in the Senate over Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style as the President of the Senate, which has caused a rumble among some Senators who allegedly have begun canvassing for his removal. This followed the intrigues that have characterized his administration as the leader of the Senate over the passage and signing of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.With this, Senators are said to be dissatisfied, especially with the manner in which he is said to be handling the distribution of projects in the 2024 budget. Akpabio had earlier claimed that the budget was prepared by the appropriation chairman and majority leader with the presidency and delivered to him for passage. He claimed he had no contribution to the budget and should not be called names for what he did not do.However, a Northern lawmaker in the Senate told news sources that Akpabio’s poor leadership, high-handedness and greed are the issues most senators are angry with him about.“The Senate is still divided. That is the honest truth. We are divided by Akpabio’s poor leadership and greed.” How can the Senate President be praying for the failure of his fellow lawmakers? He took everything in budget without carrying us along. It has never be done in the history of the Senate. This is pure greed from Akpabio, and I want Nigerians to know that we are not happy with Akpabio. We should have what to report back to our constituency in 2027; he cannot take everything alone. It is greed” he lamented.Last week, Akpabio faced criticism as he was accused of consistently violating the official starting time of the Senate plenary sessions.According to the Senate Standing Rule, plenary sessions should commence at 10 a.m. every legislative day, but Akpabio’s habitual alleged tardiness has become a concern for senators and observers alike.The recent observation by Premium Times indicates that the plenary sessions, which are supposed to start at 10 a.m., have consistently begun later due to Akpabio’s delayed arrival.According to the report, this breach of the Senate Rules has raised eyebrows among senators, with some expressing worry that if Akpabio is not removed, more divisions might rock the Upper Chamber.
