Akpabio to Female Senator: “This is Not Nightclub” During Debate

Senator Akpabio tells female colleague, “This is not a nightclub,” during a heated debate. Discover the context and reactions to this controversial remark.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to await acknowledgment before speaking during a Senate discussion on Thursday, stressing that the chamber should not be treated like a nightclub.

The focus of the discourse was on Senator Oyelola Ashiru’s (APC Kwara South) National Road Transportation Council (Establishment) Bill, 2024. The proposed bill seeks to oversee and govern Nigeria’s road transport sector as well as other associated matters.

Despite receiving support from some senators, such as Senator Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North), the bill faced opposition. Those critical of it argued that creating the Council would result in function duplication with existing establishments like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO). Additionally, critics questioned its timing given ongoing government efforts to rationalize agencies according to recommendations laid out in the Oronsanye report.

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As the bill was put to a voice vote, there were mixed opinions among senators with some saying ‘aye’ and others responding with ‘nay’. In the midst of this debate without prior consent from Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan interjected recommending modifications to the proposal instead of outrightly rejecting it.

On being called upon to speak, Senator Natasha was reminded by Akpabio that she needed recognition first as they were not in a nightclub. Apologizing for her mistake, the senator responded with “Oh, pardon me.”

After the exchange, the debate continued and eventually led to the Senate’s rejection of the bill.