By Daniel Edu

The ongoing crisis in the Senate, pitting supporters of Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Northern lawmakers, has now drawn the attention of governors and other political leaders from the North.

The rift leading to the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central Senatorial District began weeks before Akpabio assumed office as President of the 10th Senate in 2023.

On March 12, 2024, the Senate, led by Akpabio and three South West senators – Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate Leader), Adeola Olamilekan (Chairman of the Appropriations Committee), and Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State – suspended Ningi. This action came in response to Ningi’s allegations of budget padding in the 2024 budget to the tune of over N3 trillion. Despite attempts by some Northern lawmakers to intervene, Bamidele, Olamilekan, and Ibrahim, all representing the South West, spearheaded Ningi’s suspension.

Nearly three weeks after the suspension, reports from Daily Sun indicate that senior senators from the North, along with some governors, have stepped in to mediate and resolve the Senate’s lingering crisis.

A key facilitator from the North West revealed that the crisis could have been resolved without Ningi’s suspension if the South West senators – Bamidele, Olamilekan, and Ibrahim – hadn’t pressured Akpabio to take action.

Concerns over the ethnic dimension of the crisis prompted some governors to appeal to Akpabio to exercise caution and recall Ningi, who enjoys support from prominent Northern politicians. However, Akpabio faced opposition from his close allies, particularly lawmakers from the South West, who insisted that Ningi must serve out his suspension despite a court judgment stating that a lawmaker cannot be suspended for more than two weeks.

In light of these developments, Akpabio, recognizing the need for a united Senate to function effectively, has decided to recall Ningi. This decision was influenced by the counsel of senior senators and governors who highlighted the risks of ethnic polarization within the Senate, exemplified by Bamidele’s actions.

Akpabio is aware that a divided Senate will hinder legislative progress and has chosen to prioritize unity. The letter penned by Femi Falana on behalf of Ningi serves as a valid excuse to reverse the suspension, allowing the Senate to move forward with its agenda.