PDP Demands Akpabio‘s Resignation

Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second

PDP Demands Akpabio‘s Resignation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio following allegations of budget padding amounting to N3.7 trillion. The demand came after Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, raised concerns about the budget during a media interview.

According to Senator Ningi, while the National Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, the executed budget by the Presidency amounted to N28.7 trillion. However, during a plenary session on Tuesday, Senator Ningi was asked to defend his allegations. As a result, he received a three-month suspension from the Senate for what was deemed an unfounded claim, damaging the image of the Red Chamber.

In response, the PDP expressed support for Senator Ningi and criticized the Senate leadership for suspending him without conducting a thorough investigation into the budget padding allegations. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a statement demanding Senator Akpabio’s resignation to allow for an independent investigation into the alleged insertion of N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget for non-existent projects.

The PDP also called for Senator Akpabio to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an ongoing case involving the alleged misappropriation of N108 billion while he served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. Additionally, the party urged the Senate President to address the reported N86 billion contract scam that allegedly occurred during his tenure as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The PDP criticized the suspension of Senator Ningi, describing it as an attempt to suppress the investigation and cover up the facts. The party questioned why the Senate leadership did not refer the matter to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for an open investigation as per the Senate’s rules. The PDP accused the Senate President of sitting as a judge in the matter, which they argued could further tarnish the Senate’s reputation.

The opposition party emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the polity and expressed solidarity with Senator Ningi for his efforts to seek probity and accountability. The PDP’s stance reflects growing public demand for answers and raises concerns about the alleged misconduct and betrayal of public trust.

The situation has put the Senate, as the highest lawmaking and probity institution in the country, under scrutiny. The PDP’s call for Senator Akpabio’s resignation and an independent investigation highlights the urgency of addressing the allegations and upholding the principles of good governance.

PDP Demands Akpabio‘s Resignation