By Okafor Joseph Afam
Editor, SpringNewsNG Media Limited
March 23, 2025

Since his June 13, 2023, inauguration as Senate President, Godswill Akpabiohttp://Since his June 13, 2023, inauguration as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has been dogged by allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and legislative compromisehttp://allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and legislative compromise. Many Nigerians now believe he serves the interests of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC elite rather than the people.

Investigations reveal that Akpabio’s Senate prioritizes political loyalty over national interest, approving reckless external borrowing and engaging in financial inducements for lawmakers. Now, fresh evidence suggests Akpabio is using legislative power to enforce Tinubu’s tax hikes—further worsening the hardship of ordinary Nigerians.

Akpabio’s Guest House: A ‘Cash Hub’ for Senators

A major political transaction reportedly took place at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama—Akpabio’s Abuja guest house—where senators allegedly received thousands of dollars to endorse Tinubu’s controversial state of emergency in Rivers State.http://thousands of dollars to endorse Tinubu’s controversial state of emergency in Rivers State.

According to multiple sources who spoke to SpringNewsNG, the payout unfolded over two nights:

• Tuesday night: 45 senators allegedly received $5,000 each.
• Wednesday night: 42 senators were reportedly given $10,000 each.

The operation, allegedly bankrolled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, secured legislative approval for the emergency rule, which resulted in:

• The six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
• The removal of Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
• The dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Critics argue that this scandal confirms Akpabio’s Senate is more interested in executing political deals for Tinubu and Wike than upholding democracy.

Akpabio’s Rubber-Stamp Approval of Tinubu’s Reckless Borrowing

One of the biggest criticisms against Akpabio is his unquestioning approval of President Tinubu’s external borrowing spree, which has pushed Nigeria into deeper economic turmoil.

The Consequences of Rising Debt

• Soaring Inflation – Unchecked borrowing weakens the naira, driving up food and fuel prices.
• Debt Servicing Crisis – Most of Nigeria’s revenue is now spent on loan interest instead of development projects.
• Economic Hardship – As debt rises, unemployment and poverty worsen, leaving Nigerians struggling.

Unlike past Senate Presidents who scrutinized loan requests, Akpabio’s Senate has approved every single one without debate.

Akpabio’s Senate Backs Tinubu’s Tax Hikes, Leaving Nigerians to Suffer

Beyond reckless borrowing, Akpabio’s Senate has also rubber-stamped new tax policies that have further burdened Nigerians.

New Tax Increases Endorsed by Akpabio’s Senate:

• Higher VAT on essential goods, making food and medication more expensive.
• Excise duties on telecom services, leading to increased call and data costs.
• New taxes on small businesses, pushing many entrepreneurs to the brink of collapse.

By backing these tax hikes, Akpabio ensures increased revenue for Tinubu’s government while ordinary Nigerians bear the cost. Many believe these policies reflect Akpabio’s personal interest in maintaining favor with Tinubu rather than addressing the economic crisis.

Past Senate Presidents vs. Akpabio: A Legacy of Independence vs. Compromise

Unlike Akpabio, past Senate Presidents challenged executive overreach:

1. Bukola Saraki (2015-2019) – Rejected Buhari’s borrowing plans over lack of transparency.
2. David Mark (2007-2015) – Ensured strict scrutiny of loan requests.
3. Ken Nnamani (2005-2007) – Blocked Obasanjo’s third-term bid, proving commitment to democracy.
4. Anyim Pius Anyim (2000-2003) – Strengthened legislative oversight.
5. Evan Enwerem & Chuba Okadigbo (1999-2000) – Maintained checks on the executive.

While these past leaders had their flaws, they resisted being mere tools of the presidency. Akpabio, on the other hand, has turned the Senate into an extension of Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio: A Senate President for Tinubu, Not for Nigerians?

Akpabio’s tenure has been marked by:

• Blind loyalty to Tinubu’s policies, regardless of their impact on Nigerians.
• Scandals like the Rivers State cash-for-vote controversy.
• Approval of reckless borrowing, fueling inflation and debt crisis.
• Backing tax hikes that increase hardship for struggling Nigerians.
• Lack of legislative transparency and accountability.

Final Thoughts: Has the Senate Lost Its Independence?

Under Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate no longer functions as a check on executive power. Instead of protecting Nigerians from bad governance and economic hardship, Akpabio has prioritized his political survival and loyalty to Tinubu.

The big question remains: Will the Nigerian Senate reclaim its independence, or will lawmakers continue to serve as tools for political deals?

Original article written by SpringNewsNG Media and edited by the publisher, SpringNewsNG