In a heated session, Labour Party Senators voiced their dissatisfaction with Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent appointments of minority leaders. The controversy arose as Akpabio named Abba Moro and Osita Ngwu as minority leader and minority whip, respectively, replacing members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who were ousted by the court.
Senator Tony Nwoye of the Labour Party, representing Anambra North, strongly criticized the Senate President for unilaterally selecting leaders, exclaiming, “Are we your slaves? Why will the senate president be picking leaders for us?” Nwoye emphasized that this decision goes beyond personal grievances, stating, “It is unfair. It is not about me, it is about the institution of the state.”
The tension escalated on the parliamentary floor after Akpabio read the announcements from the minority caucus. Nwoye’s objection highlighted the deeper concerns among Labour Party Senators about autonomy and fair representation.
Akpabio, responding to the uproar, explained that the appointed minority leaders had garnered support from senators through signatories. He urged the minority parties to organize themselves, stating, “The senate president can only work with what is before me. You have Senator Abaribe and Aliero; their names are not here.”
Despite attempts to pacify the situation, Akpabio expressed sympathy for minority parties in the Senate.
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