Why We Walked Out On Saraki—Akpabio

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly have explained why they staged a walk out on Thursday following the confirmation of former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi as Minister of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The lawmakers, speaking through their leader in the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who is the Minority Leader, told newsmen shortly after incident that they were against the abuse of the rule of law.

Akpabio stressed that there was nothing wrong if Amaechi’s confirmation was suspended as recommended by the Ethics Committee, pending when issues against him were cleared.

He disclosed that the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, and its members were not being sincere with their promise to fight corruption, declaring that the PDP would not be part of any action against the Nigerian people and the constitution.

“The issues brought against the nominee were issues that were brought upon the Senate. The majority party felt there was no need to comply with the law and it would have been a good idea to allow the Senate to go into the matter and we will not partake in that type of thing,” Akpabio told journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

He said it was embarrassing and shameful for the country to watch the Senate in chaos over issues of such importance, stating that the APC chose to shun due process against the wish of the Nigerians.