Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio – after rumoured impeachment plot

The senate has passed a vote of confidence in Godswill Akpabio, its leader.

The confidence vote was sequel to a motion sponsored by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central.

The development came a day after some reports suggested there was a plot to remove Akpabio from office.

Before Ningi’s motion, Yahaya Abdullahi, senator representing Kebbi north, said his privilege had been breached because northern senators were said to be behind the alleged move to remove the senate president.

The Kebbi senator said there has not been any attempt by any northern senator to challenge the “good works” of Akpabio.

“I am a northern senator and my privilege has been breached by these allegations,” he said.

“I am a senior member of this chamber and member of the Northern Senators Forum, I can tell you that there is no attempt that I know of by a caucus or any group among the northern senators.”

After Abdullahi’s comments, Ningi said if the senators are not comfortable with Akpabio’s leadership, they would confront him.

“I move that we impose a vote of confidence in you as the senate president and the deputy senate president and the entire leadership of the national assembly in this regard,” he said.

Thereafter, Ningi’s proposal was put to a voice vote by Akpabio and adopted.