Natasha Spat with Akpabio Mishandled, Says Former Lawmaker, Calls for Restraint

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, has expressed disappointment over the escalating dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership.

Yusuf, who served for 12 years in the lower chamber, believes the situation could have been handled more effectively with wisdom, tact, and fairness.

The feud, which began with a seating arrangement issue, has snowballed into a full-blown crisis, with the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition submitting a report that has raised eyebrows.

Yusuf questions the haste and severity of the committee’s recommendations, suggesting that they may have been influenced by external factors.

The former lawmaker notes that parliamentary disagreements are natural and should be resolved amicably, citing past examples of disputes between prominent lawmakers that were settled without resorting to suspension or disciplinary action.

He advises Senate President Godswill Akpabio to learn from these precedents and accommodate dissenting voices, allowing new and experienced senators to contribute to debates and shape the legislative agenda.

Yusuf also cautions against the Kogi state government’s alleged involvement in the crisis, warning that internalizing the issue could have far-reaching consequences.

He condemns reports of a recall effort against Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “cowardly” and “preposterous.”

Instead, he urges all parties to prioritize the interests of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, who have invested their trust in Akpoti-Uduaghan.

By leveraging the popularity and contributions of lawmakers like Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate can enhance its reputation and deepen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Yusuf encourages Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain committed to her constituents and continue making valuable contributions to national debates, despite the challenges she faces.

Ultimately, he calls for calm and restraint, urging all parties to prioritize the greater good and avoid actions that could destabilize the political system in Kogi state.