About a week ago, Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued a statement through his media office, expressing apologies to the 36 state governors.
Previously, he had accused them of receiving N30 billion from the Federal Government to address the food crisis in the nation.
During the Senate plenary on Wednesday,
February 21, 2024, Akpabio mentioned the disbursement of N30 billion to sub-national governments by the Federal Government for various interventions to alleviate the food situation.
However, a statement from Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, clarified
misconceptions surrounding the senate president’s remarks, regretting any unfortunate conjectures.
Shortly after the statement, Akpabio reportedly met with representatives of the Nigerian Governors
Forum (NGF) to extend an unreserved apology for his remarks on the Senate floor.
Insiders within the National Assembly revealed that Akpabio’s decision to issue an apology and hold a
subsequent meeting with the governors was influenced by escalating political tensions surrounding his position.
Sources disclosed that Akpabio had encountered opposition from members of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), who perceived his leadership as problematic.
Following Akpabio’s statement, individuals critical of his leadership began rallying governors to support the senators’ bid to remove him as senate president.
Many governors, particularly those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),
hesitated to involve themselves in the Senate’s internal affairs without clarity from the presidency.
With indications that the presidency might not defend Akpabio, the number of governors considering action against him reportedly grew.
Realizing the threat posed by the governors, Akpabio issued an apology and sought forgiveness at a meeting in Abuja.
Sources within the Senate revealed heightened fears of impeachment within Akpabio’s camp, especially towards the end of 2023,
amid tensions raised during Northern senators’ meetings.
Allegations suggest Akpabio even resorted to spying on strategic senators’ offices to monitor potential threats.
Concerned that his actions could jeopardize his position, Akpabio recalled a warning from President Bola
Tinubu, who cautioned him against causing trouble among senators.
President Tinubu had reportedly warned Akpabio that he would not intervene if Akpabio faced repercussions for his actions or inactions.
This statement weighed heavily on Akpabio’s mind as reports emerged of senators courting governors’
support against him, signaling potential danger for his leadership.
