Human Rights Lawyer, Effiong Criticises Akpabio-Led Senate for Serving Tinubu’s Interests

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has launched a scathing critique of the current Nigerian Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, accusing it of solely serving the interests of President Bola Tinubu.

Effiong, known for his outspoken views on governance and human rights, described this Senate as the worst in the nation’s history, claiming it rubber-stamps all executive requests without scrutiny and fails to investigate issues of national importance.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Effiong expressed his discontent with the state of the Senate and the broader political landscape.

He lambasted those who supported Tinubu’s presidency based on tribal and narrow-minded sentiments, predicting that they would bear the consequences of their decisions in the form of economic hardship and ineffective governance.

Effiong’s criticism focused particularly on the residents of Akwa Ibom State, who he claimed were misled into voting for Tinubu due to the influence of their native son, Godswill Akpabio, who now serves as the President of the Senate.

Effiong questioned whether Akpabio’s high-ranking position had brought any tangible benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom amidst the nation’s ongoing economic struggles.

“Akwa Ibom people who voted for Tinubu because of Godswill Akpabio, how’s this economy treating you? I want to know how having ‘your son’ in government and holding the office of the Senate President has changed your lives?” Effiong posted.

His remarks highlighted a sense of disillusionment with the political class, particularly with those who had high hopes that Akpabio’s position would translate into better conditions for his constituents.

Effiong did not hold back in his assessment of the Senate’s performance under Akpabio’s leadership. He characterised the legislative body as ineffectual, describing it as a Senate that “approves everything and investigates nothing.”

According to Effiong, the Senate’s role has been reduced to a mere extension of the executive arm, approving whatever the President desires without the necessary checks and balances that are crucial in a democratic system.

“This is a Senate that only exists to serve the interests of Tinubu. A Senate that sleeps while the nation is burning,” he lamented.

Effiong’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among critics who believe that the Senate, under its current leadership, has failed to provide the oversight and accountability needed to address Nigeria’s myriad challenges, including economic instability, corruption, and insecurity.

Effiong further argued that the benefits of Akpabio’s political influence have been limited to a select few individuals who have gained political appointments and financial rewards.

He questioned whether the broader support for Tinubu, driven by Akpabio’s endorsement, was truly in the best interest of the people of Akwa Ibom or the nation at large.

“Apart from the few individuals who are getting political appointments and financial rewards because of Akpabio’s influence, was the support given to Tinubu worth it?” he asked pointedly.

The human rights lawyer warned against allowing tribal and parochial sentiments to dictate political decisions, suggesting that such motivations often lead to poor governance and adverse consequences for the populace.

“When you let tribal and parochial sentiments determine your political decisions, you’ll suffer for it,” Effiong stated, emphasising the need for Nigerians to prioritise good governance and accountability over ethnic and personal loyalties.

Effiong’s criticisms are part of a broader discourse on the role of the Senate in Nigeria’s democracy.

Observers and analysts have long argued that the legislative body should serve as a check on the executive branch, scrutinising government policies and actions to ensure they serve the public interest.

However, the perception that the current Senate is failing in this regard has led to growing concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Effiong’s comments also reflect frustration with the economic realities facing many Nigerians.

The country has been grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis that has left millions struggling to make ends meet.

For many, the lack of decisive action from lawmakers to address these issues has been a source of deep disillusionment.

As Nigeria looks ahead to future elections, Effiong’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of holding leaders accountable and making informed political choices.

His critique underscores the need for a Senate that not only passes laws but actively works to improve the lives of its citizens by providing oversight and demanding accountability from the executive.

In a country where politics often revolves around personal and ethnic affiliations, Effiong’s call for a more principled approach to governance resonates with those who believe that Nigeria’s leaders must prioritise the welfare of all citizens above narrow interests.

His remarks are a call to action for Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand more from their elected officials, ensuring that the nation’s democratic institutions serve the public good rather than individual ambitions.