Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid controversy surrounding the proposed amendment to the Senate Standing Orders.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole criticised the planned changes to the rules governing the election of presiding and principal officers in the Senate.
According to him, the proposed amendment raises what he described as a “serious moral crisis.”
The Edo North lawmaker argued that Akpabio himself would not meet the requirements under the same rules being considered for amendment.
Oshiomhole noted that the Senate President became Minority Leader during his first term and currently does not have up to eight years of service in the Senate.
He maintained that if the Senate adopts a rule requiring senators to complete eight consecutive years before contesting for the office of Senate President, Akpabio should “lead by example” and vacate the position.
The controversy follows reports that the Senate later withdrew the proposed amendment to the Standing Orders.
The reversal came after a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and adopted under the supervision of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.
Under the earlier rules, only senators who had completed two terms, with one being the immediate preceding term, were eligible to contest for principal offices in the Senate.
The development has sparked political debate within the National Assembly, with observers closely watching possible implications for future Senate leadership contests.
