Akpabio Dismisses Claim There Is Crisis In Senate, Meets With President Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has put behind him the face off with Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, at Tuesday Plenary, and debunked speculations of any crisis in the Senate.

At Plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio emphasized the need for unity, oneness and maturity among members at the Red Chamber.

Speaking at Wednesday plenary, he said: “In the parliament, sometimes you disagree to agree. But we will never get to the point of throwing chairs. The Senate is too mature, full of matured people,”

At a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, he dismissed claims of a rift among members of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. Both men discussed the upcoming 10th Assembly retreat taking place in Akwa Ibom State.

He sought the President’s support for representation at the retreat, which was granted.

Speaking with State House Correspondents Akpabio said, “I came to inform the President of the first 10th Assembly retreat which is taking place tomorrow in Akwa Ibom State.

“We are moving the Senate all the way to Akwa Ibom for the next four days.

“Thereafter, I will be travelling personally to Angola to attend the Internal Parliamentary Union, so before he sees me, it will probably take another nine days. So, I needed to inform him,” he said.

Akpabio also dismissed any crisis in the legislature.

“We are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree with some of the happenings in the Senate, it is only the majority decision that is going to prevail,” he noted.

Akpabio further explained that any arising disagreements are swiftly handled in closed sessions, ensuring unity and solidarity are maintained.

Highlighting the Senate’s commitment to the nation’s interests, Akpabio remarked, “We are politicians, no permanent hatred but permanent interest. That interest is the interest of the nation.”

He emphasised the Senate’s role in supporting the President and his administration through legislation and oversight functions, all aimed at moving the country forward.