Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has raised alarms over the frequent votes of confidence being passed in favor of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He expressed deep concern, calling the trend “worrisome” and suggesting it points to underlying issues within the Senate.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, Ologbondiyan highlighted the fact that this latest vote of confidence was the fourth in less than two years, a situation he deems troubling. He noted that such motions are typically a sign of crisis, used to reassure a leader when doubts about their leadership emerge.
This is not just a passing issue, Ologbondiyan remarked. Having multiple votes of confidence in such a short period signals a crisis within the Senate. The Senate President is supposed to have the trust and support of his colleagues without needing repeated affirmations.
The most recent vote of confidence in Akpabio took place on Thursday, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olarere Oyewumi (Osun West). This came just days after suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made public allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York.
Ologbondiyan pointed out that the Senate’s action suggests ongoing instability, warning that such frequent motions raise questions about the overall unity and direction of the Senate. He suggested, “If there were peace in the Senate, we wouldn’t need these votes. The constant repetition of them is troubling.”
In addition to the Senate’s internal challenges, Ologbondiyan also weighed in on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Senate’s passage of the Tax Reform bills. While he acknowledged the potential for these reforms to improve Nigeria’s electoral system, he emphasized the importance of ensuring they don’t serve any partisan interests. “It’s a positive development, but it’s crucial for the public to scrutinize the bills thoroughly during the hearings,” he stated.
The recurring votes of confidence in Akpabio are stirring significant debate, with some critics claiming they expose deeper divisions within the Senate, while his supporters argue that they demonstrate the faith his colleagues have in his leadership.
With the Senate set to hold public hearings on the Tax Reform bills, all eyes are now on how these developments unfold, as Nigerians eagerly await the outcomes and potential shifts in the country’s governance.
