Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Ubani has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an apology to the Senate for her recent outburst during a session of the red chambers.
The senator was involved in a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Senate session, raising concerns about decorum and parliamentary procedure.
According to Ubani, her shouting and disruption of proceedings were inappropriate and undermined the institution she represents.
While acknowledging the right of every senator to fair hearing and voicing out of concerns, Ubani questioned whether Senator Akpoti's approach was the best course of action. He noted that Senate rules are designed to maintain order and dignity, "and disregarding them in favor of disorderly conduct sets a dangerous precedent not only in the Senate Chambers but in every institution.
“If her new seating arrangement will genuinely obstruct her visibility in the Chambers as she alleged, was there no more civil and procedural way to address the issue?” Ubani asked.
He also criticized her response in a subsequent interview with Berekete Family Radio, describing it as reflective of “an exaggerated sense of entitlement rather than a constructive pursuit of justice.”
Drawing a comparison to a similar incident involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the tenure of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ubani recalled how Senator Akpabio, upon understanding the rationale for seat rearrangement, offered an apology to his colleagues. He contrasted this with Senator Akpoti's "continued combative stance during and after the senate session," arguing that her approach demonstrated a lack of respect for Senate procedures.
Ubani warned that failing to adhere to parliamentary protocols could diminish her effectiveness as a lawmaker, and advised the senator to "reconsider her actions, embrace humility, and apologize to the Senate. Those rallying behind her now may not stand with her in times of true need."
Ubani also appealed to the leadership of the Senate not to apply disciplinary measures in addressing the current issue with Senator Akpoti "in order not to further escalate the present misunderstanding.. A word is enough for the wise.”
No comments:
Post a Comment