Pesident of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is reportedly facing a tough decision on whether to retain or remove the Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba, amid growing concerns over his competence and rising political pressure.
Sources within the National Assembly revealed to THE RADARR that Senator Akpabio has repeatedly found himself at odds with procedural errors allegedly resulting from Nwoba’s poor handling of Senate affairs. One such incident involved the mismanagement of a conflict between Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Prior to the relocation of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, Nwoba reportedly failed to follow due process by notifying her, a lapse that led to a public embarrassment for the Senate President. In reaction, Akpabio ordered Nwoba to undergo compulsory training on-the-job.
Despite the training, criticisms have persisted over Nwoba’s performance, with insiders describing the Senate’s administration under him as poorly managed. Akpabio, angered by the continued inefficiencies, has warned the Clerk that any further infraction could lead to a recommendation for compulsory retirement.
In a bid to avoid dismissal, Nwoba has turned to political allies for support. Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and close ally of Akpabio, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi who also hails from the same Ebonyi State as Nwoba is leading the lobbying effort. Nwaebonyi is reportedly mounting intense pressure on the Senate President to retain the embattled Clerk.
Nwaebonyi has been Akpabio’s ‘hatchet” man in the Senate, however, the Nwoba case threatens to put asunder to their romance.
Nwoba was allegedly imposed on the Senate by the immediate past National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) headed by Senator Julius Ucha also from Ebonyi state.
Akpabio have had to rely on Nwoba’s Deputy to carry out official duties, as concerns mount over the Clerk’s alleged incompetence.
Tongues are wagging in the National Assembly as to why Nwoba should be retained when he has demonstrated incompetence on the job.
