Senate probes impeachment rumour as presidency declares no leadership vacuum

•Presidency urges Nigerians to disregard ‘baseless’ claims on political unrest
•Present 2025 appropriation bill now, lawmakers tell Tinubu

The Senate yesterday initiated moves to investigate rumours regarding the alleged impeachment of its President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Red Chamber, which assigned its Committee on Special Duties to examine the matter, described claims of a planned impeachment as baseless.

During a session, Akpabio dismissed the matter, noting that proceedings have continued smoothly.

In a light-hearted response, Akpabio remarked, “We are here, sitting down and doing our work very peacefully, unaware of the mischief happening behind us. The fake news is hereby referred to the Committee on Special Duties.”

He said such misinformation is frequent and often driven by individuals seeking to generate online traffic for profit. “I understand they are being paid by YouTube for high traffic. So, whoever spreads this fake news might be profiting from it,” he said.

Affirming the Senate’s stability, Akpabio said, “The issue of impeachment does not arise.”
Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central), assured, “As the Senate President pleases; I will do the needful and report back, sir.”

Relatedly, the Presidency dismissed recent online reports suggesting that security agents have been deployed to stop senators from carrying out their legislative duties, particularly concerning the alleged impeachment of the Senate President.

Senator Basheer Lado, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Senate Matters, issued a statement describing the claims as “baseless” and urging the public to disregard them.

Lado said no discord exists between the senators. According to him, the legislature remains united in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy.

He reiterated the President’s dedication to fostering a harmonious working relationship among lawmakers.

He also clarified that the Senate continues to operate freely, noting that any security presence within the National Assembly is routine and solely aimed at ensuring the safety of legislators and staff.

The statement followed concerns regarding the smooth functioning of the National Assembly and speculations of potential political unrest.

The Presidency reassured the public that collaboration among senators remains grounded in mutual respect and shared goals for Nigeria’s peace and progress.

Lado further urged the public to ignore unfounded rumours that could undermine the integrity of the legislative process, asserting that the National Assembly’s commitment to democracy and governance remains unwavering.

HOWEVER, rather than douse speculations, the Presidency might have bolstered the rumour mill with the unusual absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country.

Shettima departed Abuja yesterday for a two-day visit to Sweden, representing Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

Meanwhile, Tinubu left Abuja on October 2 for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly leave.

In a statement, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga explained that Tinubu will use the two weeks as a working vacation and retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

Although the Presidency did not specify his exact return date, the statement mentioned that the President is expected back in the country after the completion of his leave.

Tinubu had recently returned to Abuja following a two-week official trip to China, with a stopover in the United Kingdom. He left for Beijing, China, on August 29 and returned on Sunday, September 15, before embarking on his UK visit.

At President Tinubu’s request, Vice President Shettima will engage in high-level bilateral discussions during his working visit, including meetings with key Swedish government officials, such as Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

During the visit, Shettima will also explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture. He will also hold discussions with key stakeholders from both the government and the private sector.

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria on Saturday.
Onanuga stated yesterday, that there is no leadership vacuum in the country, adding that all state organs are functioning as usual.

According to him, the Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties”, he added.

IN another development, the House of Representatives asked President Bola Tinubu to submit the 2025 appropriation bill as stipulated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).

Flaying the president’s delay in presenting the 2025 budget estimate before the National Assembly, the House said the Executive’s non-compliance with Section 11(1)(b) of the FRA 2007 is compromising its duty.

Adopting a motion of urgent national importance by Clement Jumbo yesterday, the lawmakers mandated the joint Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation, and Finance to ensure compliance within two weeks.

Jumbo, in his motion, noted that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provides for the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensures long-term macroeconomic stability of the national economy, and secures greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations.

He said the FRA stipulated that the MTEF and Appropriation Bills are expected to be submitted to the National Assembly at least four months before the end of the financial year.

He said, “The House further notes that Section 11(1b) stipulates that the Federal Government must prepare and lay before the National Assembly an MTEF for the next three financial years not later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year.

“The House is concerned that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 30(1) of the FRA 2007, specifically Section 88(1), stipulate that, subject to other provisions of the 1999 Constitution, each house of the National Assembly shall have the power, by passing resolutions, to direct, or cause to be directed, an investigation into any matter concerning which it has the power to make laws, and into the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry, or government department charged with the duty of executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly and managing or distributing monies appropriated by the National Assembly.

“The House is further worried that the time the National Assembly requires to exercise its functions, as enshrined in Section 88(2b), is being compromised by the Executive’s non-compliance with Section 11(1)(b) of the FRA 2007.”