Kogi State Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has slammed the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio for clashing with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement during plenary onThursday.
In a post on his Facebook, Ajaka called for impeachment of Godswill Akpabio as the President of Senate following the incident involving Natasha, describing Akpabio’s action as “democratic arrogance and rascality”.
Senator Akphoti-Uduaghan had her seat changed without her notice and rose to interject proceedings in the Senate leading to ensuing melee which the Senate President ordered the Sergeant-At-Arms to take her out of the Chamber on Thursday.
The Senator yell and question the rationale behind her changed without her consent.
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“Why was my seat moved without my consent?” she queried, refusing to be silenced.
The situation snowballed into chaos making the Akpabio to order that she should taken out of the Chamber.
Natasha insisted and told Akpabil that she was not afraid of him, “I am not afraid of you, and I will not be silenced.”
The female lawmaker who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District claimed that she was denied several opportunities to present bills for second reading since their last confrontation.
In his comment on the situation, Ajaka said, Akpabio’s action constituted a “display of legislative autocracy and rascality.”
He said, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State was given to promoting undemocratic practices, undermining the Senate’s independence and credibility.
“In a democracy, the legislative arm of government is critical to upholding democratic values such as inclusion and tolerance. However, the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has shown a troubling pattern of autocratic behavior, as seen in the recent viral video.
“His actions against Senator Natasha not only diminished the dignity of his colleague but also reinforced growing concerns about the Senate’s lack of independence, disregard for the constitution, and violation of the rule of law.
“When elected representatives are silenced or prevented from presenting their constituency’s views at plenary, it reflects a dangerous shift toward tyranny. The future of our democracy is at stake if these undemocratic actions are left unchecked,” Ajaka warned.
According to him, citizens expect a Senate that is accountable, transparent and responsive to the yearning of the people, but under Akpabio, the trajectory was rather against the people and the democratic tradition.
He also alleged that Akpabio failed to exhibit the temperament and leadership skills necessary to foster inclusivity and cooperation within the Senate.
“As a former Governor, Minister, and now Senate President, Akpabio should promote unity and fairness regardless of gender, background, or political affiliations. Unfortunately, his constant bullying of Senator Natasha is both unacceptable and disappointing—and it must stop,” he added.
The Kogi politician called on the upper legislative chamber to take decisive action and replace Akpabio with a more competent and democratic leader who will promote inclusion and fairness among members.
He also warned that failing to address the Senate President’s actions could undermine the principles of justice, fairness, and respect essential to a thriving democracy.
“I call on the Senate to act swiftly and replace Akpabio with a leader who will uphold the values of democracy, treat all members with dignity, and prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people,” he added.
“The focus of the Nigerian Senate should be on improving the lives of its citizens—not engaging in conflicts and power plays that weaken our democratic foundations”, Kogi politician added.