Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Condemned for Disrespecting Akpabio

The South-South Women Congress (SSWC) has issued a stern condemnation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of displaying “unruly and disrespectful behavior” toward Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Thursday in Abuja. In a strongly worded statement released on Friday in Warri, the group, led by Mrs. Roli Akpomedaye, expressed deep displeasure over what they described as a blatant violation of Senate rules by the senator. The SSWC has demanded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan tender an unreserved apology to Akpabio or face disciplinary action as stipulated by the Senate’s regulations.

Disregard for Senate Seating Arrangement Sparks Outrage

The controversy stems from an incident during the plenary session where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly flouted the established seating arrangement in the Red Chamber. According to the SSWC, this act of defiance was not only disappointing but also a poor reflection of the values and ideals upheld by Nigerian women. “Rules are meant to be obeyed,” the statement emphasized, with the group questioning why a lawmaker would choose to become a lawbreaker. Mrs. Akpomedaye, in her capacity as the leader of the SSWC, argued that the senator’s behavior undermined the decorum expected in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, asserting that such actions were unacceptable and unrepresentative of the region’s women.

A Breach of Legislative Etiquette

The SSWC statement detailed the events of the plenary, painting a picture of a senator unwilling to adhere to parliamentary norms. Despite being ruled out of order by Senate President Akpabio, who reportedly hit the gavel to signal his decision.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly persisted in raising her voice and attempting to speak without recognition. “She ought to know that unless the Senate President recognizes her, she cannot speak,” Mrs. Akpomedaye remarked, stressing that Nigeria’s Senate operates under structured rules, not as a chaotic forum like “a Portuguese parliament where everyone is talking.” The group described this conduct as “most uncivilized,” particularly noting that the senator continued to speak even after being ordered to leave the chamber, further escalating tensions.

Accusations of Contempt and Calls for Accountability

The South-South Women Congress went further to label Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions as contemptuous, arguing that her defiance of the Senate President’s authority constituted a breach of legislative privilege. “You cannot be talking back to the Senate President as if he is your contemporary,” the statement read, underscoring Akpabio’s position as “first amongst equals” with significant powers under the law.

The group pointed out that disobedience to the Senate President’s orders is a punishable offense, potentially warranting imprisonment. Mrs. Akpomedaye expressed dismay that, despite spending over a year in the Senate, the senator appeared unfamiliar with basic legislative protocols, a lapse the group found particularly troubling.

In contrast to their criticism of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the SSWC showered praise on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his leadership and contributions to women’s empowerment during his tenure. The group described him as a “revered” figure and a source of pride for the South-South and Niger Delta regions, emphasizing his status as Nigeria’s number three citizen. They credited Akpabio with fostering an inclusive environment in the Senate, a legacy they believe is now being undermined by the senator’s actions.

Demand for Sanctions and an Apology

The SSWC has called on the Senate to take decisive action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, proposing her suspension until she offers a formal apology to Akpabio, the Senate, and the people of the South-South. The group argued that her behavior not only insulted the Senate President but also breached the privileges of the entire legislative body. They warned that failure to apologize would result in her being treated as “an enemy of the South-South women,” a strong indication of the depth of their discontent. “We will not allow that young woman to insult our pride,” the statement concluded, signaling their intent to rally regional support against the senator if she remains defiant.

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