Senate President Akpabio declares independence, says no lawmaker can dictate proceedings
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has declared that the National Assembly will not be intimidated or held hostage by any of its members.
Senator emphasised the importance of discipline and respect for institutional rules.
Akpabio made this assertion in a statement issued by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, on Saturday, titled “The Trials and Triumphs of a Resilient Nigeria’s 10th Senate.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of a disagreement between Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, (Kogi Central), who recently returned to the Senate after a six-month suspension. Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to contest the legitimacy of her suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to contest her suspension from the Senate.
Akpabio emphasised that democracy thrived when institutions are respected and rules upheld, highlighting the importance of maintaining order and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
Akpabio said, “The Senate cannot and will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any of its members.
“Democracy thrives only when its institutions are respected and its rules upheld.
“The discipline of parliamentary conduct is a universal marker of political civilisation.
“In the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, the authority of the Speaker is absolute and unchallenged. No member, regardless of party or popularity, may openly defy the Speaker’s ruling without consequences.
“The Nigerian Senate’s Standing Orders are not ceremonial relics from the past.
“They are the living constitution of the institution, carefully designed to preserve fairness, consistency, and the sanctity of the legislative process. ”
He noted that the discipline of parliamentary conduct is a universal marker of political civilization, citing examples from respected parliaments worldwide where lawmakers face consequences for misconduct.
Akpabio described his leadership style as combining firmness and inclusion, aiming to maintain the Senate’s role as a stabilising force amid growing populism and public distrust.
Akpabio drew parallels with other democracies, particularly the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, where the Speaker’s authority is absolute and unchallenged.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s Senate has the right to apply similar standards in maintaining order and discipline among its members.
Akpabio’s statement underscored the Senate’s commitment to upholding its rules and maintaining institutional integrity.
By asserting its independence and discipline, the Senate aimed to demonstrate its effectiveness as a legislative body and a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
