A three -term former member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Teejay Yusuf has said the Senate is fast progressing in error over the feud between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Yusuf, who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 – 2023, in a statement expressed at the way and manner the disagreement between the Senate president and Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is being managed.
The former House member said he had expected that the Senate; with more experienced lawmakers in the leadership, and membership will apply more wisdom, tact, and restraint in handling the Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan matter.
“But alas, the reverse is the case! Fact is, the Senate seems to be progressing in error, on a needless matter that should not have led to a full-blown crisis, as been witnessed if the leadership had exhibited genuinty, sincerity, transparency, fairness, and true comradeship ab initio.
“Perhaps, it is necessary to ask; why go to war when proper reasoning would have saved the situation? Perhaps, one should reiterate that the Senate leadership should know that might, as being displayed is not necessarily strength.
“Indeed, the relocation of seating arrangement, which was the initial matter should not have been allowed to snowball into other bigger issues if handled with care, fairness, and understanding.
“Somehow, as events unfold it appears there is more to the matter. First, Akpabio, not realizing the microphone was on, allegedly gave directive for the suspension of Natasha, whilst discussions were still on-going.
“Two, it took public outcry before attending to the petition by Natasha’s constituents. Three, the swiftness, and hurried nature in which the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition completed its assignment, and submitted the report gave serious concerns.
“Four, the number of weighty recommendations, and their severity gave the impression that the committee may be dancing to the rhythms of some drummers.
“Five, reports of alleged manipulation of the committee’s attendance list were not taken with seriousness, and may have been consigned to history,” he said.
Yusuf added that parliament all over the world, is naturally a place of contestation and that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint about the seating arrangement is not out of the ordinary.
He said the disagreement should have been resolved amicably, without recourse to brickbats, and emotional outbursts by parties involved.
“In any case, similar (and possibly worse) incidents have happened in Nigeria’s legislature which did not lead to what we are witnessing.
“Recall Akpabio’s disagreement with Sen. Saraki (then Senate president over seating arrangement, Saraki and Sen. David Mark (then Senate president) over some issues, Femi Gbajabiamila (as opposition leader), Rep. Chinda Kingsley, Rima Shawulu, and my humble self with Gbajabiamila (as speaker).
“In all of these situations, despite fierce protestations, and arguments they were resolved amicably. It did not lead to the suspension of any member or senator. That is the beauty, and significance of the legislature.
“It is imperative to counsel Akpabio, and the leadership of the Senate that they should learn to accommodate dissenting voices as much as practicable and possible.
“Senators who are new, and others should be allowed to ventilate their opinions, and make contributions to debates; even when the leadership have different positions. That is what makes the legislature vibrant and dynamic.
“Undoubtedly, with the voices of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, and similar others making valuable contributions to national issues at this time, will bring positives to the Senate.
“Also, the Senate can leverage on the popularity of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan (and others) to generate positive public perception about the legislature, and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
“While I congratulate Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for being dogged, steadfast, and refusing to be cowed in the midst of harassment and intimidation, I wish to appeal that she should continue to stay committed towards impacting positively on the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District who have consistently invested their total support for her not minding the crude theatrics and propaganda by a few people.
“I strongly advise the Kogi State Government not to internalize the crisis, which has external origination. That the government is allegedly involved in the matter is very unfortunate.
“Also, reports that the government was behind the recall of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is outrightly condemnable, preposterous and cowardly.
“I appeal to those behind the recall to backtrack, and stop forthwith by not overheating the political system in Kogi State state. Elections are over. Though of different political parties, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is representing the state at the National Assembly.
“The best the Kogi State Government can do is to seek ways toward resolving the crisis, and not taking sides, and embarking on actions that will end in failure.
“Finally, as an advocate of peace, unity, and development, I believe that the needless crisis between Akpabio and Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan can still be resolved.
“Fact is, the image of the Senate has been bruised, and battered. Something immediate, and timely needs to be done.
“Going forward, I call on credible, and patriotic Nigerians, in or out of government to step up, and intervene on the lingering feud in the overall interest of the country, Yusuf suggested.