Prominent legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Monday Ubani, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to admit her mistake and issue an apology for her recent outburst in the Senate.
The senator became embroiled in a heated exchange during a Senate session, raising concerns over decorum and parliamentary procedures.
According to Ubani, her actions characterized by shouting and disrupting proceedings were inappropriate and undermined the institution she represents.
While acknowledging the right of every senator, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, to voice concerns and seek fair hearing, Ubani questioned whether her approach was the most constructive.
He emphasized that Senate rules are designed to maintain order and dignity, and disregarding these rules in favor of disorderly conduct sets a dangerous precedent, not just within the Senate but across all institutions.
Ubani further questioned whether there were more civil and procedural ways to address the issue of her seating arrangement, if, as she claimed, it obstructed her visibility in the chambers.
He criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response in a subsequent interview with Berekete Family Radio, suggesting that it reflected “an exaggerated sense of entitlement” rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
Comparing her actions to a similar situation involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the leadership of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ubani recalled how Akpabio, upon understanding the rationale for a seating rearrangement, humbly apologized to his colleagues. In contrast, he pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s combative stance before and after the incident showed a lack of respect for Senate procedures.
Ubani cautioned that disregarding parliamentary protocols could diminish her effectiveness as a lawmaker. He advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to reconsider her actions, embrace humility, and apologize to the Senate, warning that those currently supporting her may not do so in times of greater need.
In conclusion, Ubani appealed to the Senate leadership not to take disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan to avoid escalating the situation further.
