Over the last six weeks, the Nigerian Senate has become the focal point of widespread discussion. This began with the contentious exchange between Senator Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan during a plenary meeting. Similar to how quickly wildfires spread during the harmattan season, this disagreement appears to be escalating uncontrollably. Accusations and rebuttals have continued to fly back and forth. In response, the Senate tasked the Ethics and Privileges Committee with investigating allegations of serious misconduct against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The decision handed down was a six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti Uduaghan, prohibiting her from participating in the National Assembly, halting her salary as well as those of her staff, and revoking her security privileges. The leadership of the Senate clarified that "It should be unmistakably clear that Senator Uduaghan faced this suspension exclusively due to her consistent behavior demonstrating misconduct and blatant disrespect for the Senate’s established rules."
Senator Akpoti Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of various forms of sexual misconduct towards local and international press outlets. Recently, she brought these accusations before the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). At the same time, Kafilat Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, also attended an IPU meeting where she refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that she faced suspension after alleging sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio during a UN gathering.
As the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara represented the National Assembly during the presentation of a reply to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s address at the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She expressed herself thus: "Responding to the appeal made by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honourable Tulia Ackson, for hearing all perspectives, I have obtained correspondence from the Nigerian Senate under my role as Head of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development here in Nigeria," she explained. "I am also speaking as the parliamentary representative of Nigeria attending this event."
Nigerians and people around the globe anxiously anticipate the involvement of the IPU regarding this matter. Before returning to Nigeria, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan shared her account with an international television network. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions concluded their session over a new petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio amidst disorderly conduct when Senators Nwebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili got into a verbal altercation.
Senator Nwebonyi has taken on what appears to be the role of a spokesman for the Senate President due to his numerous media appearances where he made certain accusations against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Consequently, it wasn’t unexpected that the committee meeting descended into disarray as tempers flared between him and Oby Ezekwesili. The conflict began when Nwebonyi was told to "be quiet" after apparently disrupting proceedings. This led to both parties exchanging harsh words, causing widespread shock across the nation. In an attempt to belittle her accomplishments, Senator Nwebonyi confidently stated to Oby Ezekwesili, “you will never become a senator.”
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The conflict between Senator Natasha and Senator Akpabio has dominated the nation’s political discourse to such an extent that it is now the most extensively discussed domestic topic in recent months. This controversy has also become intertwined with contentious efforts to recall another senator named Natasha; however, INEC has deemed these initiatives as defective and thus invalid. In a development related to this matter, an Abuja Federal High Court under Judge Binta Nyako issued an order prohibiting all involved parties in the lawsuit initiated by impeached Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with three co-defendants, from giving media statements concerning the proceedings of their case.
Regardless of the strengths of each party’s arguments, the Roundtable discussion believes that Nigeria’s 10th Senate has fallen short of what was expected. It is clear that the Nigerian populace would benefit more if senators acted truly as representatives of the people—serving as the legislative branch essential for our democratic system where public interest should remain at the core during their term in the National Assembly. There can be no doubt: politics, particularly among lawmakers, isn’t easy; disagreements, debates, negotiations, and differing viewpoints will always arise. However, the metaphorical 'grass,' representing the citizens, shouldn't suffer due to conflicts between powerful figures ('the elephants') within Parliament.
Over the years, Nigeria has faced numerous socioeconomic challenges. Over 134 million Nigerians experience multidimensional poverty, with more than 20 million children not attending school—a situation deemed one of the world’s most severe cases within a relatively 'stable' nation. The issues include widespread joblessness, elevated rates of maternal and infant deaths, increased insecurity, low productivity, and various indicators of persistent poverty and underdevelopment.
On the contrary, Nigerian lawmakers rank among the highest-paid legislative members worldwide. Their lifestyle exudes opulence, authority, and clout. Yet, this sway isn’t typically for the benefit of those they serve. Instead, it’s predominantly centered around personal gain, vanity, and convenience. Often enough, these representatives show little loyalty to the electorate—the very individuals whose votes legitimize their positions during actual election periods.
The concern arises from the subpar performance observed in many government entities such as parastatal organizations, ministries, and agencies responsible for delivering services to citizens. Given this scenario, one must ask: Where does the role of legislative oversight stand? While we acknowledge routine committee hearings regarding public grievances, significant questions remain about their effectiveness. How robustly effective are these legislative oversight mechanisms? The term 'juicy committees' frequently surfaces; what exactly does this imply? And what consequences arise when certain committees earn this label?
Most legislators are so self –centered that they only remember their constituencies during elections only. Once they access power, they run to cities and forget the constituents. Ironically, most of them feed fat on so-called ‘constituency projects’ that really defy any valid explanations. This often turns out to be political smokescreens. When Nigerian politicians fully understand the meaning of their legislative duties, development would be accelerated in the country. They would understand their core duties, be more committed to the people who voted them in, be more accountable and take joy in serving the people rather than the present grandstanding and ego-trips that create chaos and are very distractive.
The issue remains that most politicians who vie for seats in Nigeria do so not as a result of any sense of service but to acquire power for its own sake and for personal reasons. Most have no vision, no agenda or commitment to the general good. The fact that a Senator Elisha Abbo notorious for assaulting a woman in a sex toy shop suddenly jumps out to narrate his experience with a senator Akpabio few weeks after the Senator Akpabio Vs Senator Natasha issue gained national attention is almost laughable.
While it is his right to speak what he wants us to believe is his own truth, it is apposite to remind him that as a Senator representing Adamawa North in the Senate, his scandalous behaviour then adds to the litany of toxic masculinity and official abuse of power by politicians in Nigeria. His appearance at the Ethics and privileges Committee then regarding his case was scandalous too as it ended in chaos too.
Senator Elisha Abbo may or may not be truthful about his interactions with the Senate President prior to being dismissed by the court, yet the Roundtable views his recent media appearances as purely political maneuvering. Has he made amends for the scandal that tarnished his reputation? What lasting impacts did he have during his time representing his senatorial district? Which equality and justice bills did he advocate for throughout his tenure? For what legacy will Senator Elisha Abbo be recalled?
Capitalizing on political circumstances to gain public support or empathy won’t win anybody accolades. Essentially, it’s like being two-faced when someone with a past marked by gender discrimination tries to exploit current issues in the Senate as a way to clean up their tarnished reputation without showing genuine contrition, instead of engaging merely in politics.
Once again on the Senate floor, as senators appeared to debate whether late Professor Humphrey Nwosu deserved posthumous recognition, it was intriguing to observe Senator Adams Oshiomhole make an argument against honoring him. Oshiomhole, known for rising to fame through the support of Nigerian workers, contended that despite Professor Nwosu’s significant contributions—having overseen what he believed were some of Nigeria’s most transparent and fair elections—a person should only take up roles they can handle competently. He emphasized this point with "don't accept a job you cannot perform" and highlighted the necessity for individuals to step forward when needed, referring specifically to the former NEC chairperson.
Regarding Professor Nwosu, Oshiomhole viewed him as lacking courage. As a senator, the Roundtable discussion expects Oshiomhole to grasp that receiving an award isn’t about deeming someone infallible; instead, it signifies acknowledgment of hard work, quality performance, dedication, often loyalty to one’s nation, and ethical conduct. The political sphere should not obscure these values—diligence, honesty, and national pride—if we wish for future generations to find their role models at home. Circulating through various media outlets merely to defend discrediting a person who may have flaws but delivered Nigeria its fairest elections yet, shared his insights before passing away, and internationally recognized as an upright individual, comes across as quite regrettable indeed.
Serving as a member of the national legislature extends beyond representing one's constituency; it involves contributing to the overall advancement and cohesion of the nation. Members of parliament should strive to maintain impeccable standards, much like Caesar’s wife, remaining above criticism—especially when performing their legislative responsibilities inside or outside parliamentary sessions. Adherence to discipline, proper conduct, and an understanding of historical, fair, and equitable principles are essential. They must avoid indulging in frivolous diversions. The role demands seriousness and holds significant national weight.
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