Akpabio Cautions Against Uninformed Commentary on Senate Matters

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the public and lawmakers to avoid making uninformed remarks about Senate affairs, emphasizing the need for accurate discourse.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has advised critics to refrain from making uninformed remarks about the Upper Legislative Chamber. He encouraged the public to familiarize themselves with parliamentary rules before participating in discussions.

The Senate President delivered the warning while meeting with a delegation from the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum in Abuja.

He made these remarks after the recent suspension of Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaking Senate rules, a decision that Akpabio highlighted as having unanimous support from the lawmakers.

Akpabio expressed concern about the increasing trend of uninformed commentaries on television and social media, stating that those who lack understanding of Senate procedures are often commenting on topics they know little about. He urged people to seek accurate information before making public statements and advised them against misquoting Senate rules.

He also criticized individuals outside the legislature for trying to interpret Senate procedures, comparing it to a herbalist attempting to quote the Bible or someone not versed in Islamic teachings trying to interpret the Qur’an.

Following a seat dispute with Akpabio, Senator Natasha accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. X@NatashaAkpoti

In response to concerns raised by Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, the delegation leader, Akpabio emphasized the historic importance of his position as Senate President. He pointed out that it has been 46 years since someone from the Niger Delta held this role.

“The Senate President not only represents himself but also a region vital to our country’s economic survival. Therefore, we will take this position seriously and remain steadfast despite any opposition tactics,” he stated.

He rejected efforts to weaken his leadership, attributing certain criticisms to political mischief by individuals who, he argued, were unfamiliar with Senate procedures.

The delegation, headed by Lokpobiri, also voiced concerns about the political crisis in Rivers State. They cautioned that if the situation is not addressed, it could escalate and destabilize the entire Niger Delta region.

They also requested Senate intervention for significant regional projects, such as the Coastal Road project and the Maritime University in Oron—which has not yet begun operations—as well as extending the Warri-Itakpe rail line to reach Abuja.

The Senate President assured the delegation that Senators representing the Niger Delta would step in to address the crisis in Rivers State and work towards ensuring stability. Additionally, he confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had addressed concerns regarding the Coastal Road project and promised to advocate for progress on other important regional initiatives.

He reassured them that their concerns were thoroughly acknowledged. “We will persist in striving for solutions that foster peace and development in the Niger Delta,” stated Akpabio.

The meeting confirmed the Niger Delta region’s solid backing for Akpabio’s leadership and emphasized the Senate’s role in tackling national and regional issues through legislative involvement.