Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign amid controversy trailing the recent amendment to the Senate Standing Orders governing the emergence of presiding and principal officers.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Oshiomhole described the proposed changes as evidence of a “moral crisis” within the Senate, arguing that the amendments raised questions about fairness, leadership qualifications and ethical standards in the red chamber.
The former Edo State governor maintained that Akpabio himself would not qualify to occupy the office of Senate President under the same rules currently being debated.
According to him, “There is a serious moral crisis in this rule. The Senate President became Minority Leader during his first term, and now he is presiding over a process seeking to amend the rules in a way that would prevent some lawmakers from contesting.
“As of today, the Senate President has not spent up to eight years in office, even if his previous and current tenures are combined.
“So, if the Senate adopts a rule requiring eight consecutive years before anyone can become Senate President, then he should lead by example and vacate the seat because he would not meet the qualification.”
Oshiomhole also faulted attempts to alter rules that had previously enabled former Senate President David Mark to serve for eight years.
He argued that leaders should not change regulations after benefiting from the same system.
“David Mark had the privilege of serving as Senate President for eight years under the existing rules. What has suddenly become wrong with those rules now? The fear appears to be that expanding eligibility would widen the contest. I am not afraid of competition,” he added.
The controversy followed recent debates in the Senate over amendments to the Standing Orders, which introduced stricter conditions for senators seeking principal offices in the 11th National Assembly.
Under the revised provisions approved on Tuesday, only senators who had completed at least two uninterrupted consecutive terms would be eligible to contest for positions such as Senate President and other principal offices.
However, the Senate on Thursday reversed aspects of the amendments to Orders 2(2) and 3(1), citing concerns that parts of the changes could conflict with Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution.
