Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside and “lead by example” by leaving his position at the head of the National Assembly.
Oshiomhole said Akpabio has not spent up to eight years in the Senate, arguing that this makes it wrong to introduce rules that could restrict who becomes a principal officer in the future.
He was reacting to reports of an attempt to amend the Senate Standing Rules in a way that would stop new lawmakers from becoming key leaders in the chamber.
Speaking with journalists, Oshiomhole questioned the fairness of such a move and warned against making laws that appear to favour a few individuals.
He said democracy allows senators to freely vote, but stressed that decisions should not be used to protect personal interests or limit opportunities for others.
Oshiomhole also pointed out that Akpabio became a principal officer early in his Senate career and is now serving as Senate President, yet is allegedly supporting rules that would prevent similar opportunities for newer members.
He argued that Akpabio himself has not completed up to eight years in the Senate, combining his past and present terms.
According to him, if a rule requiring eight years of continuous service before becoming Senate President were applied, Akpabio would be expected to step down to set a fair example.
Oshiomhole added that it is wrong for leaders to use internal rules to “perpetuate” themselves in office, insisting that fairness and equal opportunity should guide parliamentary decisions.