By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has come under critism from his colleagues for allegedly passing some “sensitive bills” without contributions from members of the Senate.
Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, North East Nigeria, Ali Ndume, on Thursday accused Akpabio who he staunchly supported to emerge as leader of the National Assembly of approving the passage of some executive bills unilaterally.
Ndume, one of the most influential members of the Senate in a video Thursday said Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State passed certain bills without formal reading and members’ contributions.
The veteran lawmaker who is a member of the Senate President’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is not alone.
His Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) counterpart, Senator Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa State also accused the President of the Senate of passing some bills hastily.
“Very sensitive bills are brought and are expected to be passed with the speed of light, which is not good for the country.
“Every senator here is supposed to be adequately informed; he does his research and makes a positive contribution, but in a situation where even money bills are brought and expected to be passed within two hours, it wouldn’t be better for the country”, the parliamentarian stated.
He added, “Sir, you are on the seat today; history will judge you that things like this are not good for this country.”
In his defence, Akpabio said, “If the bills we pass are good for the country, history will judge me right. I don’t think we would come here to pass a bill that’s not good for the interest of Nigerians. So, your point of order is noted.”
