Aisha Yusuf, a civil rights activist, has called on the Nigerian Senate to immediately commence impeachment proceedings against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing what she described as a growing crisis of confidence in the leadership of the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Monday, Yusuf accused Akpabio of presiding over a Senate that has allegedly failed to uphold transparency, accountability and democratic values. She claimed that recent controversies surrounding the Senate leadership have eroded public trust and weakened the legislature’s moral authority.
“The Senate cannot continue to function effectively under a leadership that is constantly enmeshed in controversy,” Yusuf said. “For the sake of Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio should be impeached without delay.”
Yusuf urged lawmakers to put national interest above partisan considerations, stressing that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism designed to protect democratic institutions, not a personal vendetta. According to her, failure to act decisively could further damage the credibility of the Senate in the eyes of Nigerians.
She also called on civil society organisations and concerned citizens to intensify pressure on lawmakers to take action, adding that silence in the face of alleged wrongdoing would amount to complicity.
As of the time of filing this report, the office of the Senate President had not issued an official response to Yusuf’s call. The Senate has also not indicated whether any impeachment move against Akpabio is being considered.
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has previously denied allegations levelled against him in past controversies, maintaining that his leadership remains committed to the rule of law and legislative independence.
