The recent tensions in Nigeria’s Senate, particularly the standoff involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, underscore deep structural flaws in the leadership of the Red Chamber. It is disheartening to see a system where the Senate President, merely the first among equals, wields power in a manner that appears intimidating to fellow lawmakers. Such a situation calls for urgent reforms that will prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one individual and ensure a more balanced leadership structure.
One of the best models Nigeria could consider is the American system, where we copied the current system of democracy from. Notably, in America, the Vice President of the country also serves as the President of the Senate. This model significantly reduces intra-legislative power struggles, as the Senate President is not a member of the chamber and thus does not compete for dominance with the senators. Instead, the Vice President serves as a neutral figure whose primary duty is to maintain order and cast a tie-breaking vote when necessary.
Under the current Nigerian system, the Senate President is elected by fellow senators, which sometimes results in political maneuvering, favoritism, and unnecessary power struggles. By adopting the American model, where the Senate President is an executive officer rather than a senator, the unhealthy competition for dominance would be eliminated. This would prevent scenarios where a single senator can use his office to intimidate or sideline colleagues.
In Nigeria, the Senate leadership has often been a source of political unrest. Past Senate Presidents have faced impeachment threats, internal revolts, and allegations of high-handedness. By allowing the Vice President to oversee the Senate, there would be greater continuity and stability, as the focus would shift from political control to legislative productivity.
The American model fosters a direct link between the executive and legislative arms of government. With the Vice President presiding over the Senate, there is a stronger bridge between the presidency and lawmakers. This ensures smoother collaboration on national policies and reduces the chances of unnecessary conflicts between both arms of government.
In recent times, the treatment of some Nigerian senators has raised concerns about selective justice and political vendettas. A Senate President who is a fellow senator may be inclined to favor certain individuals or political groups, leading to divisions within the chamber. However, an independent Vice President overseeing proceedings would ensure a fairer, more impartial approach to legislative affairs.
The adoption of America’s Senate leadership model in Nigeria would require constitutional amendments, but it is a reform worth considering. It would bring much-needed order to the legislative process, promote fair treatment among senators, and prevent the excesses of any single individual.
As Nigerians continue to witness political drama in the Red Chamber, it is time to ask whether the current system truly serves the nation’s best interests. Perhaps the answer lies in looking beyond our shores and adopting a model that has stood the test of time in one of the world’s oldest democracies.
Mr Adeoye is the CEO of BAN Communications (Publisher of WesternLifeNewsNG and Westlife Magazine)
