As the saying goes, “there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics”. However, the recent events in the Nigeria Senate have proven that this statement could not be more accurate. What started off as a friendship between the Senate president and a senator from Kogi Central, has now turned into a bitter rivalry that has taken the country by storm.
The first sign of trouble between the two friends was when the Senate president publicly told the affected senator to “learn how to talk” in the Senate, as if it were a night club. This condescending remark caused a stir in the Senate and raised eyebrows among the public. It was a clear indication that their friendship had turned sour and they were now on opposite sides.
But the drama did not stop there. The affected senator’s seat in the chamber was changed without any explanation, much to the disbelief of the senator and the public. This move was seen as a power play by the Senate president, and it did not sit well with the affected senator.
To make matters worse, senator Natasha alleged that the Senate president made derogatory remarks about he, stating that she “polish her face with pamkiki” and dress in a transparent attire before appearing in the Senate. This derogatory and sexist comment caused an uproar among women associations and civil rights organizations. It was seen as a clear attack on not only the affected senator’s reputation but also on women’s rights.
In a swift reaction, the affected senator has decided to take legal action against the Senate president, demanding a whopping one billion three million naira for character defamation and the cost of legal action. This move has further added fuel to the fire and has left the country in shock.
The reputation of the Nigeria Senate is now at stake. These recent events have raised questions about the integrity and professionalism of the Senate. The tone of voice of the public is one of disappointment and frustration. The common citizens, who look to the Senate for leadership and guidance, are now questioning the motives and actions of the Senate.
Women associations and civil rights organizations are also not taking these events lightly. They are preparing for action against the Senate president, demanding accountability and respect for women in the Senate.
There is no doubt that the best of friends have now become the best of rivals in the Nigeria Senate. And while this may be a common occurrence in the world of politics, the way it has unfolded in this case has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the public. It is now up to the Senate to restore its reputation and prove that they are capable of working together for the betterment of the country.
– Benjamin Ibrahim, a Retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.
