Akpabio views me as evil incarnate, says Oshiomhole

Suspicion and tension are running high between Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with Oshiomhole claiming that Akpabio harbours an unfounded bias against him. This revelation was made by Oshiomhole on the Sunday edition of MIC ON PODCAST, amidst the controversy surrounding his recent comments on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

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Oshiomhole's comments on the podcast highlighted his contributions to the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu's electoral victory, stating that he was a founding governor of the APC and Deputy DG of Bola Tinubu Campaign Council. He noted that his efforts helped secure the party's victory, and he is proud of the outcome.

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Akpabio's alleged paranoia towards Oshiomhole was a key point of discussion, with Oshiomhole saying that the Senate President becomes uneasy around him and would likely try to exclude him from the senate if given the chance. Oshiomhole also mentioned that there are many lawmakers who are unaware of his true nature, saying "there are many angels he doesn’t know".

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The senator predicted significant changes in the next Senate leadership arrangement, citing growing discontent among lawmakers with the current leadership style. Oshiomhole stated that "the 11th Senate will not be like the 10th, this I can say", indicating a shift in the balance of power.

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Oshiomhole expressed his commitment to his work, saying that he seeks courage and wisdom from God to perform his duties to the satisfaction of his constituents. He also acknowledged the well-known bias of the Senate President against him, but refused to speculate on the reasons behind it.

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A specific encounter between Senator Abdulaziz Yari and the Senate President was cited as an example of Akpabio's alleged discomfort around Oshiomhole. According to Oshiomhole, when Yari approached the Senate President to express interest in a committee position, Akpabio responded by suggesting that Yari's intention was to join forces with Oshiomhole to remove him from his position.

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Oshiomhole emphasized that the Senate President is subject to the collective will of senators, holding a position of "first among equals". He noted that the Senate President's position is not absolute, and that the senators have the power to elect their leaders based on their preferences.

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The controversy surrounding Oshiomhole's comments on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been ongoing, with the Senate publicly distancing itself from his remarks. The Senate adopted a motion clarifying that no committee has the authority to issue a warrant of arrest without strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the express approval of the Senate President.

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The resolution came after reports that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had recommended the issuance of a warrant of arrest against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over his alleged failure to honour invitations by the committee. Efforts to obtain a reaction from Akpabio's media aide, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.