Senators unhappy with Akpabio’s leadership style; he sees me as devil — Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the National Assembly, has raised serious concerns regarding the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During an interview on the Sunday edition of *Mic On Podcast*, Oshiomhole accused Akpabio of harboring a deep-seated suspicion towards him, suggesting that the Senate President believes Oshiomhole to be a threat. Oshiomhole emphasized that despite being a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and playing a significant role in supporting President Bola Tinubu's election victory in 2023, he feels targeted by Akpabio.

Oshiomhole recounted that he was a founding governor of the APC and served as the Deputy Director General of Bola Tinubu's campaign council, which contributed to the president's electoral success. While he did not claim sole responsibility for the victory, he acknowledged his efforts in securing it. He expressed confusion over why Akpabio would hold such negative feelings toward him, especially considering their shared political affiliations and goals. Oshiomhole noted that Akpabio appears to be "paranoid" whenever they interact with other senators, implying that the Senate President might seek to isolate him within the legislative body.

In addition to his personal grievances, Oshiomhole highlighted broader dissatisfaction among senators with Akpabio's leadership style. He predicted that the upcoming 11th Senate would operate differently from the current 10th Senate, indicating that there is a growing sentiment of discontent among lawmakers regarding Akpabio's approach to governance. Despite these challenges, Oshiomhole assured that he remains committed to fulfilling his duties to the best of his ability, seeking divine guidance for wisdom and courage in doing so.

Oshiomhole also referenced specific incidents where he believed Akpabio displayed discomfort during interactions with other senators. One notable example involved Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who sought to become the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior. Oshiomhole recalled that Akpabio jokingly questioned whether Yari's intentions were aligned with removing him from the position of Senate President. This anecdote illustrates the tension between Oshiomhole and Akpabio, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Senate.

Furthermore, Oshiomhole underscored the principle that the Senate President operates as "first among equals," emphasizing that the position is determined by the collective will of the senators rather than individual preferences. He pointed out that if Senator Yari had garnered sufficient support, he could have potentially assumed the role of Senate President. This perspective reinforces the idea that the leadership structure of the Senate is fluid and dependent on consensus among its members.

The situation surrounding Oshiomhole's allegations has gained additional attention due to the recent controversy involving his comments on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Following his remarks describing the company as "a bunch of criminals and thieves," the Senate officially distanced itself from these statements, clarifying that they reflected Oshiomhole's personal opinions rather than the official stance of the legislative body. This clarification came after a motion was passed during plenary sessions, asserting that no committee has the authority to issue warrants of arrest without strict adherence to legal procedures and the explicit approval of the Senate President.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Oshiomhole's accusations against Akpabio remain uncertain. With the upcoming elections for the 11th Senate, the dynamics of power and influence within the legislative body are likely to shift significantly. The reactions of other senators and the potential impact on legislative processes will be crucial factors to monitor in the coming months. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to observe how these developments affect the overall functioning of the Senate and the relationships among its members.