Southern Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has accused northern senators of consistently attempting to unseat a Senate president from the southern region abruptly. Addressing the Senate on Tuesday, Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, urged an end to the efforts to prolong the leadership election beyond June 13, 2023.
His remarks came in response to Senator Abdul Ningi's claim that the 2024 budget was inflated from N25 trillion to N28.7 trillion, with the executive implementing the inflated budget.
Bamidele accused Ningi of attempting to instigate an impeachment plot against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite northern senators distancing themselves from it. The Ekiti lawmaker likened Ningi's actions to a failed civilian coup, alleging that he sought to use the Northern Senators Forum's name to push his agenda.
Emphasizing that the focus should be on stable Senate leadership rather than regional divisions, Bamidele warned against any attempt to overthrow Akpabio beyond June 13, 2023. He highlighted the need for cooperation and stability, citing the last time a South-South representative held the Senate president position over 40 years ago.
