In a fiery statement, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District condemned his colleague, Senator Abdul Ningi, for allegedly orchestrating a “civilian coup” by claiming the 2024 Budget passed by the Senate was padded.
Bamidele, who serves as the Majority Leader, accused Ningi of attempting to undermine Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership by inciting the Northern Senators’ Forum against him. He emphasized that such actions threatened the stability of the Senate and amounted to a betrayal of democratic principles.
Asserting his support for Akpabio, Bamidele highlighted the peaceful tenures of past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from 2011 – 2015; and Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate President from 2019 – 2023, and urged fellow senators to unite for the common good, rather than perpetuate divisive tactics.
Concerns over lingering reservations among some Northern Senators towards Akpabio were addressed, with Bamidele calling for an end to attempts to destabilize Akpabio’s presidency. He stressed the importance of upholding the Senate’s integrity and adherence to constitutional principles.
Bamidele concluded by emphasizing the need for unity and adherence to democratic norms, irrespective of regional affiliations, in order to address the pressing needs of the Nigerian people.