Natasha Akpoti: Akpabio due for impeachment – Lawyer Idam

Activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam on Wednesday declared that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is due for impeachment over gross misconduct and abuse of power.

Idam accused Akpabio and Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti of reducing the Senate to a joke.

He described the incessant controversy between Akpabio and Natasha as shameful, stressing that the Senate President has consistently exhibited poor charisma in his management of the Senate’s affairs.

Recall that the altercation started when Natasha discovered that her seat had been reassigned upon resumption of session on the floor of the Senate.

Refusing to comply with the new arrangement, Natasha challenged the decision, sparking a heated exchange in the chamber.

The situation led to a heated clash between Natasha and the Senate President on Thursday last week.

In a viral video clip, Natasha could be seen challenging Akpabio, saying, “I’m not afraid of you.”

Reacting, Idam said that until lawmakers understand that impeachment is permissible by law and not a rebellion, such reckless behavior won’t stop.

In a statement he signed, Idam said: “The incessant controversy featuring Senator Akpabio on the floor of the Senate has reduced the National Assembly to a joke. More shameful or rather funny is the fact that both Akpabio and Natasha now take their rift to the ordinary President of the Brekete Family for settlement.

“Akpabio has consistently exhibited poor charisma in his management of the Senate’s affairs and proceedings. I think he has become too relaxed or reckless with public appearances. As a result, he has failed to carry himself in a manner expected of a person in his position. He now slips and goofs rather too often without the slightest attempt to carry himself or the Senate in the manner expected of him.

“Today, the clout that the National Assembly enjoyed over the years, in the perception of the public, has been eroded by Mr Akpabio’s leadership. Until members of the Senate wake up to the understanding that impeachment is a lawful and democratic requirement and not rebellion or a treasonable act, this reckless behavior in public positions will not stop.

“Mr Akpabio is due for impeachment for gross misconduct and abuse of power. The earlier the laws are set in motion to achieve a democratic purpose, the stronger Nigeria’s democracy becomes.”