Impeachment Threat Against Akpabio Unsettles Lawmakers

Rumours of a planned impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio have unsettled lawmakers, prompting the establishment of an investigative committee.

Various online platforms have suggested that some lawmakers aim to initiate a leadership change in the Senate, but this has been dismissed by the leadership, which ordered an investigation during plenary.

A year ago, the Senate and House of Representatives revised their rules concerning leadership emergence amid impeachment discussions involving Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Current regulations stipulate that no first-term lawmaker can become Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Observers believe this move indicates that Akpabio may retain his position in the 10th Assembly while the Senate investigates the situation. On Wednesday, the Senate refuted speculation about an impeachment plot against Akpabio and other principal officers, labelling it as “fake news.”

During plenary, Akpabio drew attention to a social media report claiming that the Department of State Services (DSS) had taken control of the National Assembly due to impeachment speculations. He laughed off the rumour, calling it a fabrication.

“Information reaching us suggests that the DSS has surrounded the National Assembly to prevent the impeachment of principal officers,” he stated, adding, “We are here doing our work peacefully, oblivious to the mischief happening behind us.”

In a light-hearted manner, he asked Senator Abdullaziz Yar’Adua, chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, whether he should refer the matter to the Committee on Army, Interior, or Police Affairs. Ultimately, he directed it to the Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Shehu Kaka, for investigation within 24 hours.

Akpabio remarked on the daily challenges lawmakers face, noting the potential manipulation of news for traffic.

“Whoever created this fake news must have been financially motivated by the traffic it generated. I hope the public understands this is fake news and that the Chamber remains stable; impeachment is not an issue here.”

He expressed concern about the rise of fake news in Nigeria’s media landscape and emphasised that lawmakers would not be distracted from their responsibilities.

A specific social media platform (name withheld) reported that DSS operatives, dressed in dark suits and sunglasses, were stationed at various entrances of the National Assembly complex. This report implied that discontent among some Northern Senators regarding President Bola Tinubu’s performance was behind the alleged impeachment efforts.

The report insinuated that there were reports that some aggrieved Northern Senators, not satisfied with the performance of President Bola Tinubu, were the ones behind the alleged impeachment move.

Following the plenary, Senate Spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu stated that no such impeachment or invasion had occurred or was planned. He described the speculation as “despicable” and assured that the Senate is united under Akpabio’s leadership.

He said: “The speculation that maybe a host of Senators wants a change of regime is very despicable, which is quite unspeakable; nothing that is near that is happening in the Senate, and that isn’t going to happen. The allusion that the forum of the Northern Senators Forum may be dissatisfied is that there is nothing like that. The Senate is solid and united under the leadership of the Senate Presidentship of Godswill Akpabio.

“We have established that this is an uncommon regime in the 10th Senate,” he affirmed. “The Senate President has fulfilled his duties effectively, and there is no basis for political or legislative discord. The Senate stands firmly behind Akpabio’s leadership.”

Similarly, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, reaffirmed their support for Akpabio, stating, “We have heard nothing to suggest a movement against him. We encourage Nigerians to disregard these rumours and focus on pressing national issues.”