A civil society organisation that advocates good governance and democratic reforms, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria, has rejected calls by Timi Frank and other individuals for the resignation of President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Frank and some disgruntled elements had made the call over flimsy and frivolous allegations, following the recent diligent screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate.
In a release made available to journalists in Abuja by its national convener, Amb. Solomon Adodo, the CSO wondered who has made mockery of Nigeria’s democracy more, between Timi Frank and the Senate President, who has been transparent, diligent and committed in the discharge of his duties to the nation.
Part of the statement reads: “The accusation by Frank Timi and his co-travelers that the lawmakers are insensitive for embarking on a holiday is misplaced. Lawmakers are supposed to periodically visit and consult with their constituents.
“The fact that Nigerians are facing hardship at the moment does not stop the lawmakers from doing their job. In fact, it is in interacting with their constituents that they will know the root causes of the challenges and face them head-on. That the Senate President publicly announced the vacation and the statutory allowances does not make him insensitive but transparent.
“It is clear from the reactions online that the Senate President was taken out of context. As a pro-masses leader, he was basically talking about the efforts the Senate has made for the Senators to reach out to their constituents in terms of welfare and not giving out funds for the Senators’ exclusive use and enjoyment.
“He was similarly taken out of context when he stood against an anti-masses legislation, insisting the poor should not be suffocated with hardship but ‘allowed to breathe’. It is shameful that some persons take delight in twisting facts and injecting unnecessary rhetorics to cause disaffection against leaders.”
The group warned those paid goons hiding under a veil of deceitful patriotism to attack the integrity of the Senate following the non-clearance of some ministerial nominees to desist from heating the polity and accept the fact that the 10th Senate under Godswill Akpabio will continue to operate an open government in order to build trust and confidence in our democratic experience regardless of who is affected.
“Those calling for the resignation of Senator Akpabio should come and out clear and tell Nigerians that they are paid to do a hatchet job for some disgruntled politicians. Those dissatisfied with the screening process should go and face security agencies and sort out their challenges instead of venting their anger on the Senate President,” the statement added.
