As Nigeria continues to grapple with different degrees of insecurity, economic hardship, rising inflation, and unemployment, the 10th Senate’s leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has made the Red Chamber the most unconcerned government institution. The only thing that excites the Senate President seems to be when announcing “prayers sent to senators’ emails”, making the legislative leadership become more about personal political recovery than national development. This clearly calls for concern and intentional efforts to institute a more serious leadership for the 11th Senate.
Recently, I read an article by a Political economist, Ayodele Peters, who carefully articulated the situations leading to the election of Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President of the 10th Senate, reminding Nigerians that it was not based on merit, competence, or vision for national transformation. Instead, it was characterised by what he describes as “heavy financial inducements and vote-buying amongst senators”. He recounted that the contest between Akpabio and former Zamfara governor, Abdulaziz Yari, saw massive amounts allegedly spent to influence senators’ votes. When leaders emerge through such processes, they inevitably prioritise recovering their political investments rather than serving the nation. And, with the body language of the current senate leadership, Ayodele is not far from the truth.
The Senate has demonstrated clear disconnectedness from national realities, except few senators like Orji Uzor Kalu who seem to be lone voices in the wilderness speaking out in favour of good governance and welfare of the common Nigerians. The Senate’s oversight responsibility has been conspicuously absent as people wake up to reports of kidnapping, banditry and security failures. And again, except that provided to the South East Development Commission where Senator Orji’s Senate Committee constantly keeps them in check.
The 11th Senate must break from this pattern, and the qualities required are clear: competence, character, courage, and independence. These are the qualities that have been seen demonstrated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu throughout his political career.
During his tenure as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, Kalu demonstrated the kind of bold leadership the nation now desperately needs. He stood against political pressure from the then president when he believed it was in Abia’s interest, prioritising service to people over political appeasement. His legislative record as a ranking senator shows continued commitment to transformative policies. As a man who recognises that holding public office is an opportunity to make developmental impact, he did not only introduce premium bills like the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility, and Social Welfare Bills, but also pushing them to ensure that they address Nigeria’s energy security challenges and concern for the vulnerable.
Abia North has a historic opportunity in 2027 to return Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the Senate as a ranking senator with experience and proven legislative achievements. The 11th Senate has a chance to be different and that opportunity begins now with deliberate efforts to have individuals with the competence. I believe that this could reverse the damage of the 10th Senate and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
Comr. Duke writes from Umunneochi in Abia State
