Drama in Senate as Natasha Confronts Akpabio Over Abortion Debate, Oshiomhole Cites Rule to Stop Her
There was mild drama in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) engaged in a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the controversial abortion debate during plenary.
Trouble began when Senator Natasha rose to speak on a motion bordering on women’s health rights and reproductive safety, during which she touched on the sensitive issue of abortion.
Her contribution, which sought to draw attention to unsafe abortion practices and the need for improved healthcare policies for women, immediately sparked murmurs among lawmakers.
As she pressed on with her argument, Senate President Akpabio attempted to interject, warning the Kogi lawmaker to “confine her comments within the limits of existing Nigerian laws.” However, Natasha insisted on her right to speak freely on matters affecting women’s welfare, arguing that “real discussions on women’s health must include the realities they face daily, whether we like the word abortion or not.”
The tension escalated when Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised a point of order, citing the Senate Standing Rules to caution Natasha against what he described as “a debate that could mislead the public or promote illegality.”
Oshiomhole’s intervention drew mixed reactions from senators, with some supporting his position while others urged the chamber to allow open discourse on public health issues.
Senate President Akpabio eventually ruled Natasha out of order, urging lawmakers to respect Nigeria’s legal framework on reproductive rights.
“This chamber is guided by law, not sentiment,” Akpabio stated.
The confrontation momentarily disrupted proceedings before normalcy was restored.
Observers say the fiery exchange highlights deep divisions among Nigerian lawmakers on reproductive health and women’s rights a debate that continues to stir controversy in the country’s socio-political space.
