A civil society group, Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law (AIRL), has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against mishandling the suspension saga involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that it could erode public trust and destabilize democracy.
In a statement, AIRL Chairman Mohammed Ibrahim Gamawa expressed concern over the growing tension, describing the altercations in the Senate and on social media as an embarrassing “show of shame” that could damage the institution’s reputation.
Gamawa urged lawmakers to prioritize governance over personal conflicts, emphasizing that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency representation could set a dangerous precedent.
He further warned that if the Senate fails to de-escalate the situation, Nigerians may hold the 10th Assembly accountable for any resulting political crisis.
“The confrontation between Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, both on the Senate floor and online, is turning the legislative chamber into a spectacle,” Gamawa stated.
“This is not the leadership Nigerians expect. The Senate must focus on uniting the nation rather than engaging in distractions that could threaten our hard-earned democracy.”
With tensions running high, all eyes remain on the Senate to see how it resolves the brewing political storm.
