Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a warning to critics regarding the dissemination of uninformed opinions concerning the operations of the Upper Legislative Chamber. He urged the public to familiarize themselves with parliamentary protocols prior to engaging in discussions.
This caution was articulated during a meeting with a delegation from the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum in Abuja. Akpabio’s comments were prompted by the recent suspension of Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching Senate regulations, a decision he noted was reached with unanimous support from fellow lawmakers.
Expressing his concern over the increasing prevalence of ill-informed commentary on television and social media platforms, Akpabio stated, “Individuals lacking a proper understanding of Senate procedures are the ones providing commentary on issues they are not knowledgeable about. It is essential to seek accurate information before making public declarations. We urge the public to refrain from misrepresenting Senate rules.”
He further criticized those outside the legislative body who attempt to interpret Senate procedures, comparing it to a herbalist quoting the Bible or an individual unfamiliar with Islamic teachings trying to interpret the Qur’an.
In the context of a dispute over a seat with Akpabio, Senator Natasha had accused him of sexual harassment.
In response to concerns raised by Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, the leader of the delegation, Akpabio emphasized the historical importance of his position as Senate President, noting that it has been 46 years since the Niger Delta last held this role.
“The Senate President embodies not only his own interests but also represents a region vital to the economic stability of this nation. Therefore, we will not take this position lightly, irrespective of any opposition tactics,” he asserted.
He dismissed efforts to undermine his leadership, attributing some of the criticisms to political mischief from individuals he claimed were uninformed about Senate procedures.
The delegation, headed by Lokpobiri, conveyed their apprehensions regarding the political turmoil in Rivers State, cautioning that if not addressed, it could escalate and threaten the stability of the entire Niger Delta region.
Additionally, they requested the Senate’s intervention in several significant regional initiatives, such as the Coastal Road project, the Maritime University in Oron, which has yet to begin operations, and the extension of the Warri-Itakpe rail line to Abuja.
The Senate President assured the delegation that Senators representing the Niger Delta would take action regarding the crisis in Rivers State to promote stability. He also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had addressed the Coastal Road project and committed to advocating for advancements on other vital regional initiatives.
He emphasized that their concerns had been duly acknowledged. “We will persist in our efforts to find solutions that foster peace and development in the Niger Delta,” Akpabio stated.
The meeting underscored the Niger Delta region’s robust support for Akpabio’s leadership and highlighted the Senate’s commitment to addressing both national and regional issues through legislative action.
