BY SCM REPORTER
NOLLYWOOD icon turned political firebrand Kenneth Okonkwo has launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian Senate, branding lawmakers “enemies of democracy” and calling for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a hard-hitting intervention for his “Global Square” column, the veteran actor warned that Nigeria’s democratic foundations are crumbling because of a refusal to embrace modern technology.
Okonkwo argued that the rule of law is being subverted by a deliberate failure to mandate the electronic transmission of election results—a move he claims leaves the door wide open for “rigging, manipulation, and falsification.”
‘Foundation for Success’
“Where there are no adequate laws to guide the conduct of elections, the process is already rigged before it begins,” Okonkwo stated. “The enactment of sufficient laws is the foundation for a successful election.”
The star highlighted a major rift within Nigeria’s highest court. During the recent presidential election appeal, seven Supreme Court Justices were split on whether electronic transmission should be mandatory or merely optional for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Okonkwo, the Supreme Court has pleaded with the legislature to fix the “confusion” in the Electoral Act to guarantee the integrity of future votes.
Quoting Justice Abba Aji, Okonkwo warned that those resisting the hi-tech shift are living in the past.
“Modernity and technology stare us in the face, and we cannot turn back the hand of time,” the Justice reportedly declared, adding that those who block electronic transfers are sticking to a “vicious cycle of subterfuge.”
Okonkwo pulled no punches in his assessment of the current Senate leadership.
By refusing to make electronic results compulsory, he claims the Senate has declared war on the Nigerian public.
Akpabio Under Fire
The actor’s sharpest barbs were reserved for Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio should resign immediately for misleading the Senate and the Nigerian people or be removed from office,” Okonkwo demanded.
Taking a swipe at disgruntled lawmakers who have complained about the Senate President’s leadership, he added: “It is not enough for the Senators to be crying like children due to Akpabio’s numerous misdemeanours. They should remove him immediately. His cup is full.”
The intervention has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, as one of the country’s most recognisable faces joins the chorus of voices demanding a digital revolution at the ballot box.
