Outspoken former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has firmly criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Ezekwesili has voiced her concerns, alleging that Akpabio’s actions are intended to dismantle and disrupt the country’s democratic system, and as a result, he is not fit to hold the position of Senate President.
Her comments come in the wake of uproar in the Senate regarding the appointment of Minority Leaders.
During a session, a spectacle ensued after Akpabio declared Senator Abba Morro (PDP Benue South) as the new Senate Minority Leader and Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West) as the Minority Whip, consequently replacing Senator Simon Mwadkwon and Darlington Nwokocha, former representatives of Plateau North and Abia Central, respectively.
Senators Mwadkwon and Nwokocha had previously held the positions of Minority Leader and Minority Whip, with Mwadkwon being a PDP member and Nwokocha representing the Labour Party, LP.
The announcement sparked immediate dissent in the Red Chamber, as some LP senators expressed their opposition, deeming the nominations unfair to other minority party members within the Senate.
Senator Tony Nwoye from Anambra North vehemently rejected the nominations, confronting Akpabio with the impassioned question, “Are we your slaves, how can you be choosing minority leaders for us?”
Responding to the situation, Ezekwesili conveyed her reservations, suggesting that Akpabio and certain members of the “political class” are orchestrating an attempt to monopolize Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement posted on X, she asserted: “Our declining Nigerian Democracy was further assaulted by @Senator_Akpabio, who, if not for the compromised state of the country’s Judiciary @NGCourtofAppeal, would never have gained the title of Senator, let alone that of “Senate President.” Mr. Akpabio is unfortunately entangled in a web of hubris and decadence.”
“It is imperative that we remind him and his cohort of Democracy’s assailants of the profound words of Marianne Williamson:
“Empires always have the hubris to think they are indestructible, when in fact they are always unsustainable.”
“Furthermore, it is heartening to witness Opposition Party voices finally aligning with the demands of Democracy. Kudos to @SenatorNwoye @ireti_kingibe and other Labor Party Senators.
“You need to collectively vocalize on all matters that affect the citizens who have bestowed upon you the responsibility of being their representatives in the @nassnigeria.”
“This is the expectation of you in relation to those extravagant Luxury SUVs that you have accepted or are eagerly anticipating.”
“You, as those entrusted with the People’s Mandate, have the potential to steer the course in escaping the clutches of this “Monopoly Democracy” propagated by the political class, a display epitomized by Mr. Akpabio and his associates.”
