Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that following the wave of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition senators in the Nigerian Senate are now reduced to five.
Akpabio said this at the APC National Caucus meeting on Thursday, stating that the opposition had nearly 50 members at the inception of the 10th Senate under his leadership.
“Stakeholders coming in from other political parties must be given equal opportunities to thrive. There must not be any discrimination. Do your best not to leave anybody behind.
“In the Senate, we’re doing our best to ensure that we carry the Senate as one, irrespective of political parties. And I can confirm to you that when we came in, the opposition had almost 50 members. But today, when I counted, there are about 5 or 4 left in the opposition. Even those five members have whispered to me that I should take them to the President, the leader of the party; that they are prepared to join the APC,” he said.
He further explained that he does not want to run a Senate without an opposition, citing that as the reason he has intentionally allowed senators who have declared for APC in their states, but have yet to formally declare in the Senate, to remain in the minority caucus.
“I have intentionally allowed, I’m reporting to the caucus, the APC members who have declared in their state, who are yet to declare in the Senate, to continue in their minority caucus.”
He also thanked Governor Peter Mbah for allowing Senator Osita Ngwu from Enugu State to retain the position of Chief Whip of the minority, saying, “otherwise, this place would have been empty,” he added.
Akpabio called for involvement in Senate operations, urging that all senators, regardless of party, should be carried along.
“This is a time of growth and challenge. With growth comes envy and jealousy, and with jealousy comes hatred,” Akpabio said, urging unity and cooperation among senators.
He also addressed national issues, including insecurity, praising the government for the release of over 100 kidnapped children and calling for prayers for the safe return of the remaining victims.
